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Straw hats return to favour in 1930 - factory in Luton
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Straw hats return to favour in 1930 - factory in Luton
Straw hats return to favour! Luton, the centre of the straw hat industry had suffered from lean years since 1914; khaki was the wear of choice until 1918 and felt hats were the only fashionable summer headgear until 1930, when Edward, the Prince of Wales re-activated the fashion for the straw boater (by wearing one!). Date: 1930
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Media ID 23086990
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Boater Boaters Headgear Headwear Icon Luton Pile Piled Piles Popularity Stock Stocked Stocks Straw Stylish
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In this evocative photograph, taken in 1930, we witness the resurgence of a long-forgotten tradition in Luton, the heart of the English straw hat industry. For decades, the town had been grappling with lean years, as the demand for straw hats waned in the face of more modern headgear. The First World War had seen the rise of khaki uniforms and practical felt hats as the preferred choices for both military personnel and civilians. However, the tide began to turn in 1918 when the Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, made a bold fashion statement by donning a straw boater. This iconic moment marked the beginning of the boater's comeback as a stylish and desirable summer accessory. The photograph captures the scene inside a Luton hat factory, where piles of straw boaters reach high, stacked and piled in anticipation of the renewed demand. The image is a testament to the industrious spirit of the hat makers, who had kept their skills alive during the lean years, ready to meet the demands of a new generation of fashion-conscious consumers. The 1930s, with its Art Deco glamour and carefree spirit, saw the popularity of straw boaters soar once again. This photograph is a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the moment when Luton's straw hat industry was reinvigorated and the humble boater became a symbol of summer style and sophistication.
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