Homburg

During the 1960s in England and in America, men's hats were no longer considered to be an essential accessory. If a man wore one, like this version of a homburg, it served primarily as a means for him to express his personal style. In this example, the lacing at the front of the band is an updated detail not seen in a more traditional model, such as 86.72.3 from the Brooklyn Museum collection. This small change makes for a reactionary and rebellious twist on the classic form. "Swinging London" of the late 1960s and early 1970s where this hat was made, was an epicenter of fashions inspired by youth culture. These looks challenged prevailing styles and the idea that all fashion emanates from the atelier.