The tradition started in the 16th century. Catherine of Alexandria was decapitated for having refused a marriage that would have required her to renounce her faith. Subsequently canonized by the Catholic church, Saint Catherine became the patron saint of young girls of 25 years. Her saint’s day, celebrated on the 25th of November, saw these young women wearing a green and yellow hat. Green, the color of hope and knowledge, and yellow, a symbol of faith. Catherinettes would adorn the saint’s statue every year as well. Because of this, the tradition today inside of the Parisian milliner circle is an event that sees the big brands competing to create the most beautiful hat.
Chanel, Dior, Nina Ricci, and Fouquet all have their sights set on one of three prizes given away by an expert jury composed of journalists and members of the Comité Montaigne. From the most elegant hat to the most original and the Prix Spécial du Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in between, this renowned event is the perfect occasion to highlight creations that exude elegance, youth, femininity… aka couture. The brands are never lacking in imagination to create their Catherinettes, but they’re still required to play by the rules: all the hats are made in shades of yellow and green. The Comité Montaigne has successfully anchored this legacy in the history of Parisian couture by giving it all the exigency and aesthetic of its era. Head to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées on 15 Avenue Montaigne at 2:45 p.m. to witness this ravishing spectacle.
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