What do Fred Astaire’s famous top hat and a ring binder have in common? Both were invented in Limoges. Yes, Limoges is not just about porcelain – the city is also a cradle of inventions. And in this field, the Gibus family stands out. This dynasty of inventors (one thinks of Disney’s Gyro Gearloose) came up with the ring binder, the cane umbrella and more. While one family member was making a fortune in porcelain, another was becoming well known for a collapsible high hat. American star Fred Astaire even made it his trademark accessory. The hat is still known as the gibus today.
Read more
