Summary
Pink and blue velvet hat worn by Greek migrant Lili Sigalas in Melbourne in the 1920s.
Lili (Eleni) Sigalas (nee Vrahamis), born in 1904, was the daughter of Callirrhoe Dressler and Stavros Vrahamis, both from the Greek Island of Sikinos, who also lived for some time in Istanbul. In 1920 Lili was engaged to a cousin Letho (Eleutherios) Sigalas, and in 1922 migrated to Melbourne on the 'Largs Bay' with her father-in-law to be, James (Iakovos) Sigalas, and her elder married sister Alex. Letho and Lili were married at the Greek Orthodox Church on Victoria Parade, on 18 July 1923, just eight days before Lili's 19th birthday. They had two daughters - Dan'e in 1924 and Magarita Babette in 1931.
Letho worked in his father's cafés and the young couple moved in a very sociable set that included their own young Greek cousins, going to numerous dances, the races, and nightclubs. The family lived at the St Kilda Road house until 1948 when they moved to Kew.
Physical Description
Circular, 'floppy' hat, made from dark pink velvet around the edge and a dark blue synthetic fabric on the top, which is embroidered in a rose design with dark pink, pale pink, blue and gold thread. Hat is lined with beige fabric. Circular wire inserted in rim.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
Clothing & Textiles, Migration & Cultural Diversity, Leisure
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Babette Sigalas, Jul 2003
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Date Used
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User
Mrs Lili Sigalas, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1920s
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Object Measurements
260 mm (Width), 298 mm (Depth), 80 mm (Height)
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Exhibition Collection Management
298 mm (Length), 260 mm (Width), 80 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Greek Communities, Greek Immigration, Hats, Headwear, Immigration, Social Life, Women's Clothing Accessories
