Fashions of London and Paris, June 1804.
“London Head Dresses.”
Hats in the early years of the new century showed much more variety in style than is seen in the later Regency years, when hats conformed to certain shapes and sizes, with originality seen primarily in ornamentation. The only similarity in these 1804 hats, and all hats of this period, is that they remain relatively close to the head. No soaring crowns or huge brims. Yet.
Note that seven of the nine hats are adorned with ostrich feathers, including all the turbans. The feathers are no longer worn as high as in the 1790s, but are clearly still considered fashionable.
Note also the variety of fabrics used: satin, silk, net, crepe, and sarsnet.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“No. 1. A Turban of white satin, ornamented with ostrich feathers.
“No. 2. A Turban of white silk and lilac net, and white ostrich feathers.
“No. 3. A Hat of lilac silk, trimmed and tied down with yellow; white ostrich feathers in front.
“No. 4. A Hat made of alternate stripes of net and ribbon, and ornamented with ostrich feathers.
“No. 5. A Cap of pink crape, ornamented with a flower, and a bow of ribbon on the top.
“No. 6. A white Barcelona handkerchief pinned up to form a Turban, and ornamented with a wreath of roses.
“No. 7. A small round hat of lilac sarsnet, with ostrich feathers.
“No. 8. A Turban of blue sarsnet, ornamented with pearls, and ostrich feathers.
“No. 9. A twisted Turban, with a long end on the left side, and ostrich feathers.”
