The Cat Hat of Kate Fearing Strong
In 1883, William and Alva Vanderbilt spent $250,000 to throw a fancy dress ball. That's the equivalent of around $6 million in today's money. The most memorable outfit was worn by Kate Fearing Strong. Her nickname was 'Puss', so she came dressed as a cat. As reported by the New York Times:
The cats on her dress and hat were real cats — skinned and taxidermied.
More info: "Vanderbilt Ball: How a costume ball changed New York elite society"
New York Times - Mar 27, 1883
The cats on her dress and hat were real cats — skinned and taxidermied.
More info: "Vanderbilt Ball: How a costume ball changed New York elite society"
Kate Fearing Strong wearing her cat hat
Comments
Ew…
Posted by Brian on 09/30/24 at 05:10 AM
Fur stoles complete with heads and feet used to be a thing. Here's one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1710354010/4-pelt-brown-mink-scarf-scarves-collar
Posted by ges on 09/30/24 at 08:22 AM
ges, my grandmother (b. 1886) had one of those that she never wore anymore. When I was a kid (1950s) I used to chase my cousin around the house, snapping its mouth at her.
Posted by Dr. Fian on 09/30/24 at 10:04 AM
I don't know if the lady really liked, or really hated, cats.
Posted by Yudith on 10/03/24 at 05:13 AM
Category: Headgear | Cats | Nineteenth Century