The Hennin, Pt. A.

HENNIN 1: c.1420

Another example of a hat that defies expectation is the popular crescent, or “horned” shape of the early-to-mid fifteenth century women’s headwear called the “Hennin,” or “escoffion.” Without a brim, or a true crown, this headpiece was certainly worn for show, featuring both gold threads, silk brocades, and cotton fabrics that were used as trade goods.

Upper-class women defied both the laws of gravity, and the outrage of at least one member of the clergy, with this style. “The Chronique of Enguerrand de Monstrelet records that in 1428, in what seems to be the first record of the term "hennin", the radical Carmelite friar Thomas Conecte railed against extravagant headdresses of......the noble ladies, and all others, who dressed their heads in so ridiculous a manner, and who spent such large sums on such luxuries of fashion,” (Wikipedia).

This example of a hennin has been made with bias-cut linen, wool and gold thread brocade, silk, crocheted gilded cotton, silk gauze (veil), with “pearl” embellishments.