Humongous Straw Summer Hats

In Paris 1910-1914 (via mashable.com) /Agence Rol/Gallica via Europeana)
Traditional Russian Costume of the Kostroma region (and in large picture from north Tver) These photos were taken in the end of 19th century and now are kept in the collection of the Russian Museum of Ethnography. A kokoshnik is a headdress worn by married women. The word “kokoshnik” describes a great variety of headdresses worn throughout Russia, including the cylindrical hats , two pointed nimbus “kika”, triangular shaped “kika”, small pearl hats etc. The kokoshniks could be quite extravagant, even if they were worn by farmer’s wives, and were composed of gold brocade, damask, or velvet, with gold embroidery usually of plant and flower motifs. Sometimes they were set with real pearls and precious stones. (via local-moda / traditionalrussiancostume)