Chapeaux Mossant

LEONETTO CAPPIELLO (1875-1942). This design featuring three hand-held hats appears so deceptively simple one is tempted to feel that there’s nothing to it; yet, the careful, rhythmic composition creates a pattern so upbeat that it gives the product an unmistakable aura of class. The Mossant firm, in existence since the 1860s, was known for high-quality hats-especially men’s hats, whose expensive models were made from pile of rabbit and hare-and Cappiello conveys it perfectly, making it look easy in the bargain. The company closed in 1981.