Taking us through the years since 1900, decade by decade, this book highlights headturning moments in the millinery world and doffs its cap to acclaimed designers and notable events in hat history. The Century of Hats explores the function and status of headgear, as it reflected the social and political status quo, and examines the different roles hats have played in the life of the past hundred years. Featuring prominent movie icons and leading socialites as well as glamorous models, The Century of Hats unfolds as a broad and informative style guide, drawing on a century of trendsetting imagery from Vogue magazine. The book draws distinctions between hatmakers and milliners, men's and women's hats, and handmade versus mass-produced factory hats, as well as explaining the essence of traditional hatmaking tools and techniques. From the purely functional to the high fashion; from top hats, bowlers, boaters and bonnets to the very latest in innovative couture from the world's finest bespoke milliners, The Century of Hats is a useful source of reference. The text provides inside information and thoroughly researched fashion history, and is complemented by beautifully presented images of the world's finest headgear.