In the mid-eighteenth century in both France and England the simple, flat style known as the bergere (French for "shepherdess) came into popularity. It seems to have started as a low-crowned, wide-brimmed straw hat, and the brim could be turned up at the front, back, or sides, or
trimmed with fabric, ribbons, and flowers.
1750s Boucher paints Mme Bergeret
Gainsborough 1777-79
Vigee le Brun 1782
Not sure I'd look good in a Bergere hat. When my hair was long (and it was very long), I could have put a good-sized ship in it! Not sure that's my best look either. I love my vision of the 18th century; the reality might have been another matter entirely!
ReplyDeleteI have one and I love it, and another one is in the works. I have a long face so anything that brings some width to my head is good.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on one now, but I'm frustrated at not being able to find a feather of sufficient size for it! I'll have to keep searching!
ReplyDeleteCaroline,
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Lamplight Feather? I've purchased many an extremely large feather from them over the years, in a variety of colors.