HEADWEAR, MAISON MICHEL
(english edition)

Ever since they opened in Paris in 1936, the Maison Michel ateliers have been home to a dynamic artisanal tradition where milliners and hatmakers shape a living heritage of headwear. By delving into the archives of this prestigious Maison d’Art, today based at le19M, this book traces the twists and turns of the history of headwear. It offers a rich and eclectic visual record where eras of hat blocks, designs and fabrics collide with photographs and sketches. Headwear is viewed here as a barometer of the zeitgeist, affirming individuality or a sense of belonging. It becomes a tool for holding one’s own, extending silhouettes and completing outfits. From the headgear of Greek labourers to the cloche hats of the Roaring Twenties, from the Phrygian cap to the modern baseball cap, this accessory has forever protected and shaped the face beneath.