The Most Joyful Hats of NYC's Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival
Briefly

The Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival in New York City saw participants don extravagant hats inspired by artworks, with a mix of quirky designs that celebrate creativity. Originating after the Civil War as a fashion display for the elite, the event has evolved over 150 years to prioritize imagination and playful self-expression. Participants, including arts professional Chelsea Cooksey, crafted bonnets inspired by notable art pieces, such as Christo and Jeanne-Claude's "The Gates" and Maurizio Cattelan's "Comedian", illustrating a unique blend of art, culture, and festive community spirit.
Cooksey, whose bonnet recreated a miniature Christo and Jeanne-Claude "The Gates" (2005) installation, emphasized going with the "most prescient current art".
Emerging after the Civil War, the annual creative hat festival transformed from a "fashion promenade" of wealthy New Yorkers into a quirky, campy celebration.
Read at Hyperallergic
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