Kapje van gevlochten zilverkleurig satijn versierd met imitatieparels en stras c. 1951 - 1953

This 'Kapje' or cap was woven from silver satin by Caroline Reboux sometime between 1870 and 1956. It's adorned with imitation pearls and strass, which I guess are paste jewels? I really admire Reboux's patience here. Imagine taking such tender material and carefully, tenderly interlacing it. It's like a basket, or a challah bread. The bands of satin create a really interesting, shimmering surface, catching the light in different ways. And then she's got the little jewels on the ends, like tears or drops of water. To me, the whole thing reads like a sort of futuristic helmet, something a space princess might wear. Hats are so interesting, they're like sculptures we wear on our heads. They frame our faces and change how we present ourselves to the world. Reboux was so skilled in her craft and she obviously saw the hat as a space for artistry and expression. It really is lovely.