Weird Wednesday: Periscope Hat

I like to call this the Vixen Starlet Steampunk Periscope Top Hat--because the way she is drawn reminds me of a silent film star, and the star on the periscope makes me think Hollywood glamour "star" too. But of course the periscope and the top hat makes me think of "steampunk."

This wacky fashion statement comes from a 1915 newspaper. The article claims appearances of this fancy hat had been made in New York and Chicago. It explains the style and its use this way, "A tiny mirror is tucked at an attractive and innocent angle in the bonnet so it reflects the actions of pedestrians behind the wearer." And would be used to avoid unwanted male attention, should some chap come up behind the lady looking like he wanted to flirt. I think there are much more interesting uses for it than that though.






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