The fedora was first introduced in the 1890s by a French hat maker named Victorien Sardou. It was named after the title character in Sardou's play, "Fedora", which premiered in 1882. The play was a sensation, and the hat soon became a popular accessory for both men and women in France, other European countries and America.
These Fedora hats became a popular fashion statement and symbol for human rights activists, standing for liberation and assertiveness.