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Courturier Superstar | Belle Epoque pub |Coat hangersPicture
Out of the closet
by Carol Mongo

a history of coat hangers


Dating from the end of the 19th century to the present day, more than 200 coat hangers, from the collection of Daniel Rozensztroch are the topic of a “small, but to the point” expo at the Musée des Arts Decoratifs. This modest object that one hardly notices has been a witness to 100 years of style. This fashion “utensil” tells of social appurtenance, and mirrors the evolution of dress, as well as the progress of industrialization. On occasions — it also reflects the immense creativity of those who design and manufacture it.
In 1932 the word “hanger” was inserted into the French language. Prior to this date, it was called a “clothing holder,” a term in turn modified to define the garment suspended from it: coat holder, blouse holder, suit holder, lingerie holder, and so forth... The same degree of variety is found when it comes to shape. This changed in keeping with fashion trends. Big coats with wide collars and jackets with ample epaulettes requiring different versions... Professional garments, military gear or ecclesiastical finery have their own hangers. Over the decades, craftsmen and manufacturers have toyed with the idea in various ways. Merely, twisting a “bit of wire.” Or, opting for different-hued wood. And, more recently, “playing” with the latest plastic materials. Each showing off their ingenious dexterity and sense of æsthetics.
In the 1950s, wardrobes were simplified and the hanger became more standardized, but didn’t lose any of its diversity in the process. If considered as a vital fashion element, this everyday object can — surprisingly enough — become the object of an “exercise in style.”
“Au Vestiaire, Une Histoire de Cintres,”June 13 to Sept 15, Tue-Fri 11am to 6pm, Sat & Sun 10am to 6pm (Wed till 9pm), Union Centrale des Art Decoratifrs, 107-111 rue de Rivoli, 1er, M°Louvre-Palais Royal, free CM


19th century French coat hanger
courtesy Musée de la Mode et du Textile