Brocade Fanchon Mourning Bonnet, Dinner, Empire, Civil War, Victorian

This BLACK fanchon style bonnet is perfect for your mid 19th Century Mourning impressions. Bonnets of dull black covered with crape were the sure sign of deep mourning. As mourning lightened the crape was removed and black ribbons and fabric were used for details such as rosettes, leaves, bows, and other feminine symbols to decorate the bonnet. Slowly color was introduced into the bonnet, first with a ruching of white around the inside, then with the addition of ribbons and accents of colors such as the shades of purple and grays.

Fanchon bonnets came into fashion briefly in the early 1860’s as an Empire Bonnet and returned in a more simplified form in the mid 1860’s. In 1865 every issue of Le Follet (a periodical of the Era) had an example of the bonnet. Shaped similar to a half–handkerchief, the body of the bonnet could be worn flat across the head or shaped more in line with the rounded forms of the full bonnet. The bavolets/curtains were often quite narrow and in some cases just a narrow band. Sometimes referred to as dinner bonnets, the small size of the bonnet allowed the wearer to leave the bonnet on when attending certain events.

This style of bonnet is comfortable to wear, as the back of the head is not contained, allowing free air movement. The wired brimline allows for the bonnet to be adapted to the users choice of styling, and the simple metal comb, attached to the underside along with the ribbon ties, help to hold the bonnet firmly on the head. This bonnet can be left in it’s simple state or can easily be “dressed’ with a variety of ribbon and flower options.

This bonnet is constructed on a base of milliners buckram, and felt with a wired front brim. A rose patterned brocade covers the top of the bonnet. The underside of the bonnet is covered with a simple black cotton. The bavolet is a semi-sheer black chiffon. There is a band of box pleated ruching around the brim edge of the bonnet. The bonnet is trimmed with black satin ribbon, which is also used for the ties.

Pictures show a variety of embellishment options and ideas for the bonnet. These are for inspiration only and are NOT INCLUDED on the bonnet. If you wish an embellished bonnet, or to purchase removable embellishment options, please contact me and I would be happy to work with you.

The bonnet is shown with a Mourning veil which is not included. We offer two styles of Mourning Veils:  A Long Deep Mourning Veil and a Short, Brush–style Veil.