Eileen Agar's Surrealist Glove Hat That Pushed Fashion Boundaries

What happens when Surrealist art collides with 1930s couture? See the Surrealist Glove Hat created by British artist Eileen Agar — a striking work that blurs the boundaries between art, fashion and wearable sculpture. Inspired by legendary fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, Agar transformed an ordinary straw hat using leather gloves and an ammonite fossil brooch, creating one of the most unusual objects associated with British Surrealist fashion. This video explores the fascinating story behind the Glove Hat alongside works connected to the Surrealist movement, including pieces by Salvador Dalí, Man Ray, Lee Miller and Schiaparelli herself. Learn how Agar used found objects, humour and unexpected contrasts to challenge conventional ideas of fashion and art. The film also explores Agar's wider Surrealist practice, from beachcombed assemblages to her famous "Ceremonial Hat for Eating Bouillabaisse". Was the Glove Hat haute couture, wearable art, or surrealist performance? Tell us what you think in the comments 👇 👉 See the Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition at V&A South Kensington from 28 March – 8 November 2026. This exhibition has been created in collaboration with Schiaparelli. https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/schiaparelli 👉 Dig deeper into Eileen Agar and Surrealism on the V&A website https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/eileen-agar 🔔 Subscribe and be the first to watch new videos @vamuseum #surrealism #fashionhistory #schiaparelli #arthistory #surrealistf