Boater by Saks Fifth Avenue

Boater

Saks Fifth Avenue · 1960

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“Step back to 1960 and see how this classic boater hat, sold by Saks Fifth Avenue, embodies mid-century American style and the era's appreciation for refined accessories.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This boater hat, crafted from straw and rayon in 1960, evokes a sense of mid-century leisure and classic style. Its crisp lines and natural materials suggest a perfect accessory for a sunny day, perhaps a stroll along Fifth Avenue or a summer outing. The hat's construction highlights the meticulous attention to detail that defined fashion accessories of the era. More than just headwear, this boater represents a specific moment in fashion history when department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue played a significant role in defining and disseminating American style, offering accessible luxury to a broad clientele. It's a tangible link to a time when hats were an indispensable part of a well-dressed person's wardrobe, signifying both elegance and an active engagement with seasonal trends.

DETAILS
Artist
Saks Fifth Avenue
Date
1960
Medium
straw, rayon
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Collection
Costume Institute
Culture
American
Credit line
Gift of Eugene H. Mopsik, 1977
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What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Boater
01

The tightly woven straw, forming a smooth, uniform surface.

02

The dark rayon band, providing a sharp contrast to the straw.

03

The flat crown and brim, characteristic of a classic boater.

04

The subtle sheen of the rayon, suggesting its quality.

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THE ARTIST

Saks Fifth Avenue

From a Washington D.C. men's shop in 1867 to a Fifth Avenue icon, Saks dressed America's elite for over 150 years.

Read Avenue’s full story
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