Here are three lavishly ornamented late Victorian hats designed in the Paris establishment of Madame Carlier. These hats were featured in a fashion plate from the February 1897 Millinery Trade Review [Library of Congress LC-DIG-ppmsca-02905]. …

One of the most debated accessories used in Victorian women’s fashions was the use of birds and bird feathers as a fashion ornament. During the last quarter of the 19th century, feather decoration for hats, fans, and boas was at its peak.

Throughout the 19th century, men wore top hats for business, pleasure and formal occasions (pearl gray for daytime, black for day or night) making its wearer feel taller, handsomer and suave. By 1900 top hats were …

Decorated with feathers and birds, ribbons and flowers … Victorian hats were a elegant work of art. See a collection of hats and bonnets from 1878.