Hauptsache

Not just for fashion enthusiasts: "Main Thing" showcases a richly illustrated journey through the cultural history of headwear from the Middle Ages to the present day, from hennins and guggels to fedoras and baseball caps. The unique collection of the Bavarian National Museum, featuring "Textiles, Costumes, Leather, and Traditional Costumes," plays a central role. Nearly 600 originals are presented in stunning color photographs in this lavish volume, with a focus on authentic Bavarian hat fashion: from the bourgeois women's clothing that developed in cities during the 17th century, characterized by various head coverings, to the so-called folk costume caps around 1800 and the Bavarian traditional hats of the 19th century. In the depiction of contemporary headwear, the creations of modern Munich milliners hold a special place. The engaging accompanying texts address not only fashion history but also social and economic contexts. Additionally, the author Johannes Pietsch delves into the various materials and manufacturing techniques.