Fashions of London and Paris, January 1804.
“London January 1804.”
What a great variety of hat styles! The two gypsy hats, No. 3 and No. 5, are of the same style, with different fabric and ornaments. Otherwise, every one of these hats is different.
There are elements in keeping with the general fashions of the day, eg flat-topped crowns, and turned up brims. The crowns are still relatively close to the head. In 10 years crowns will be soaring to enormous heights. And with the exception of the 2 gypsy hats, the brims are of a modest width.
I’m not sure why the brimless, helmet-like No. 9 hat is named after the Duchess of York. Perhaps the hint of military styling reflects her husband’s role as Commander-in-Chief of the British armed forces.
Prints of hats from this magazine often show hairdos as well as hats, caps, and bonnets. No. 2 shows hair “dressed fashionably” in a style we often think of as pure Regency.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“No. 1. A cap of black velvet ornamented with a wreath of oak leaves. A black lace Veil thrown on one side.
“No. 2. The hair dressed fashionably with a handkerchief bandeau.
“No. 3. A gypsey hat of purple or puce colored velvet; bows of the same coloured ribbon on the right side.
“No. 4. A dress hat of white velvet turned up on one side and lined with pink; Ostrich feather.
“No. 5. A gypsey hat of blue silk with a pink flower in front.
“No. 6. A dress hat of white silk turned up in front, and ornamented with ostrich feathers.”
“No. 7. A hat of striped plush with a bow of the same in front.
“No. 8. A hat of white satin turned up all round; a rose coloured bow in front.
“No. 9. The Dutchess of York’s hat, made of geranium silk quilted; a feather in front.”
