Pothoed (cloche) van geel stro waarover groene en grijze opengewerkte viscose, met twee fluwelen bandjes en groen ripslint c. 1958 - 1965

This striking hat was made by Katja Robinski from yellow straw, viscose, velvet, and ribbon. The straw base is completely covered with decorative viscose and velvet. The hat’s form relies on the properties of straw, woven to give a solid structure. The use of materials like straw and viscose is not accidental. These evoke handcraft traditions but are here deployed with a distinctly modern sensibility. Look closely, and you’ll see how much handwork has gone into this piece, from the weaving of the straw to the stitching of the velvet band. The openwork viscose is particularly interesting, creating a delicate, almost ethereal effect. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, this hat reflects broader social and economic trends. The use of both natural and synthetic materials speaks to a world where traditional craft practices coexist with mass production. Ultimately, this hat invites us to consider the relationship between fashion, labor, and materials, challenging conventional distinctions between art, craft, and design.