From the archives: the evolution of Balenciaga’s hoodlike hat

By Bebe Leone

The Story of Balenciaga’s hoodlike hat

Presented as a complement of the single seam wedding dress Cristobal Balenciaga launched in 1967, the monastic-like hood was designed to replace the traditional bridal lace veil. Highly Influenced by the period’s fondness for futuristic cuts and tech fabrics Balenciaga conceived a dress and headpiece void of all the traditional bridal attributes, groundbreaking, ready for the outer space. The iconic hat was reintroduced in 2008 by then-Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière for the brand’s SS 2008 collection. Four years later, the hoodlike hat was once again brought back to life by Ghesquière for Balenciaga’s SS 2012 show: infamously known as the ‘Darth Veder hat” this time the hood was offered up as a visor, raising controversial critics.

1967: a complement of Cristobal Balenciaga’s futuristic wedding gown

2008: Nicolas Ghesquière romantic re-introduction of the hat, here worn by Jessica Connelly

2012: the visor rendition by Ghesquière, also known as the Darth Veder hat, here worn by Emily Blunt