The severe simplicity of this little black and white hat is quite modern for its time. It is a jaunty small-brimmed straw hat with a glossy satin hatband.. The focus of the hat is an immense, curling white ostrich plume rising above the crown. A hat-pin would have secured this hat to the wearer's hairstyle. When this dramatic hat was made, only a year or two earlier, fashionable hats had been quite large and elaborately trimmed with flowers, feathers and ribbons, so this hat reflects a dramatic modernity.

This hat was worn by Miss Heather Firbank (1888-1954). She was a beautiful, wealthy young woman who bought her expensive, high-style clothing from leading London couturiers, such as Lucile, Redfern and Mascotte. She favoured purple and heather tones, which complemented her name. The Museum holds a wide range of clothing and accessories from Heather's wardrobe between 1905 to 1921.