Vintage button hooks are not just a utilitarian item, but a reflection of the sophistication of bygone eras. Such hooks were an indispensable tool in the wardrobe of men and women in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when fashion required the presence of many small, tight buttons on dresses, corsets, waistcoats and shoes.
Button hooks began to be widely used in the Victorian era, when the complex designs of clothing made the process of buttoning labor-intensive. Simple models were made of metal or wood, but with the growing popularity of handmade accessories, hooks became works of art.
Rich ladies preferred hooks inlaid with pearls, precious stones, enamel and gilding. Often the hook handle was decorated with carvings or ornaments, and for special occasions, entire sets were created that could include cases and additional accessories.
The main part of the button hook consisted of two elements: a metal hook for catching the loop and a handle for ease of use. The length of the tool could vary: short ones were used for buttons on clothes, long ones - for high shoes or boots.
Some models had a dual purpose: one side they fastened buttons, and the other could serve as a tool for lacing corsets or shoes.
Today, vintage button hooks are popular among collectors. They carry a history that connects with past eras and act as a symbol of exquisite craftsmanship.
Collectors especially value hooks that have been preserved in original sets or with the markings of famous manufacturers. There are examples made of silver or even gold, which speaks of the status of the owner.
Despite the fact that hooks have lost their relevance in the modern wardrobe, they can be used as part of the interior or decoration. Some designers suggest adapting them to create unique jewelry.
Vintage button hooks remain a reminder that even the simplest item can be elegant and thought out to the smallest detail.
Source:
icimss.edu.pl
vanleestantiques.com
