This season, Maison’s Fabienne Delvigne has decided to have a go with the very on-trend straw hat. She’s offering it in soft, neutral shades. But before we show you her selection of boater hats, let’s take a moment to look at their history.
The story behind the boater hat
The boater, also known as a straw hat, was originally a hat worn exclusively by men. They wore it to protect themselves from the sun's rays. This hat, with its flat crown and brim, was most often made of straw and adorned with a ribbon.
The word 'canotier' is a derivative of the word 'canot', which represents a small boat. After having been the headwear of sailors for many years, the 'canotier' spread thanks to the appearance of pleasure boats.
Coco Chanel, pioneer of this iconic hat
It is thanks to Coco Chanel's anticonformism that this hat, so coveted by men, began to adorn women's heads. This hat, with its simple appearance, broke the mould of the extravagant hats that women wore at that time.
Many celebrities have also worn it over time, such as Maurice Chevalier, on the French side, or Fred Astaire across the Atlantic, who made the boater hat an integral part of his look. It is also found in the film «The Great Gatsby» on the heads of the very famous Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire.
The boater, a hat at the heart of many inspirations
This hat has inspired many paintings, songs, and poems. Auguste Renoir's painting titled «Luncheon of the Boating Party» depicts a moment of relaxation where a man is wearing a boater hat. This painting, dating from 1881, pays tribute to the boat crews.
A must-have to be on-trend this season!
This straw hat is a well-known accessory of fashion week and is often sported on the catwalks of Haute Couture.
Having made a comeback in recent years, the boater hat is a must-have for your wardrobe. Maison Fabienne Devigne offers it in styles for every season. Sometimes crafted in classic straw for sunny summer days, sometimes made from velvet felt – soft to the touch and rainproof – it keeps your head nice and warm.
