GERSON Edwardian Walking Hat, Berlin, ca. 1913

Rare Fashion Hat from Modehaus Gerson, Berlin

This very rare fashion hat from the renowned Modehaus Gerson, Berlin is an exceptional example of early 20th‑century millinery craftsmanship. The interior is lined with black silk, featuring the original Gerson label, clearly printed and beautifully preserved. Crafted from fine straw, the hat is adorned on the side with fabric roses and delicate tulle, giving it a refined yet strikingly modern appearance for a piece dating from 1913. Designed to be worn at an angle, it reflects the era’s emphasis not only on circumference but also on height, and this hat impresses precisely through its elegant vertical silhouette. Its condition is excellent, a testament to the care it received during the many years it spent in our private collection. This makes it a remarkable collector’s item for enthusiasts of vintage hats, Edwardian fashion, and historic millinery.

Design Features and Materials

The combination of straw construction, silk lining, and decorative roses and tulle showcases the refined aesthetic typical of high‑end millinery in the early 1910s. The hat’s asymmetrical design—intended to be worn slightly to the side - adds a dynamic, modern touch that sets it apart from many contemporaneous pieces. Its impressive height, a key fashion element of the period, further enhances its sculptural presence.

Historical Context: Hats in 1913

In 1913, hat fashion placed great importance not only on size but also on vertical dimension. This piece reflects that trend beautifully, combining structural elegance with decorative restraint. Its surprisingly modern silhouette demonstrates how forward‑thinking designers at the time were in shaping what would later become iconic elements of Edwardian and early modernist fashion.

About Modehaus Gerson, Berlin

The prestigious Gerson fashion house in Berlin was one of the leading addresses for luxury clothing and accessories in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for its high‑quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and cosmopolitan clientele, Gerson, Berlin became synonymous with refined urban elegance. The company’s hats and garments were celebrated for their meticulous construction, premium materials, and modern silhouettes -qualities that made Gerson a defining force in Berlin’s fashion history and a sought‑after name among collectors today.