Early 2000s Red Hat Society Red Wool Wide Brim Rose Hat 22.5"

DESCRIPTION

A wonderfully theatrical early-2000s Red Hat Society hat in deep ruby-red wool felt, designed with the broad brim, dramatic flower and unapologetic color that became synonymous with the Red Hat movement.

The rounded crown is encircled by a softly ruched tonal band before blooming into a large layered fabric rose at the side. A wide, gently shaped brim gives the hat considerable presence while keeping the entire design monochromatic — red upon red, with texture rather than contrasting color providing the detail.

The Red Hat Society grew from a 1998 gathering inspired by Jenny Joseph's famous poem Warning and its declaration about growing older in purple clothing and a red hat. By the early 2000s, red hats had become the calling card of a remarkable international social phenomenon celebrating friendship, humor and life after fifty.

Today, it works equally well as a collectible piece of Red Hat culture, a tea or luncheon hat, theatrical millinery or simply a very good red statement hat.

WORTH NOTING

Associated with the Red Hat Society tradition, whose members famously wear red hats with purple clothing.

The Society was founded in 1998 and expanded dramatically during the early 2000s, making surviving period Red Hat accessories an interesting little piece of turn-of-the-century women's social history.

Constructed in red wool felt with a tonal ruched band and large layered fabric rose.

MEASUREMENTS

Approximately 14.5" across the brim.

Crown approximately 4.75" high.

Interior circumference approximately 22.5".

Measurements are approximate.

CONDITION

Pre-owned vintage condition with age-appropriate evidence of previous wear and storage.

Please review photographs closely for the condition and shape of the wool felt, brim edge, crown, ruched band, fabric rose, interior band and labels.

FROM THE HOUSE

There are hats meant to finish an outfit, and there are hats that announce the luncheon has officially begun.

This is decidedly the latter.

Ruby-red wool, a sweeping brim and an enormous rose capture the wonderfully irreverent spirit of the Red Hat era — when growing older was apparently best approached with good friends, purple clothing and absolutely no interest in disappearing quietly.

~ Genevieve