Wonderful cellophane straw hat with beautiful velvet flower detail. At first glance I thought it was a 1950s hat but the materials and construction are that of an earlier hat. Also the style is unusual which made it even harder to attribute an exact time. Since the other hats I purchased from this estate were 1930s to 40s I am placing it in that time frame as well.

True cellophane is a man made fiber produced from plant materials. It was invented in 1908 by a Swiss chemist by the name of Jaques Brandenberger who was working for a French textile firm. By 1927 cellophane became available to the public. By the 1930s it was being used in the millinery trade, extensively, to create a new type of straw hat. Cellophane straw is lightweight and shiny and can be made in any color.
This version is done in a dark navy, the straw is finely braided into a round sailor like cap (similar to a beret). The front edge is festooned with beautiful velvet flowers, leaves and berries. Since the hat was stored away properly the colors are rich and still very vibrant. It has a nose length veil.
The size is a medium, 22. My hat mannequin is smaller than a real person so the hat appears larger than it actually is. A covered elastic cord has been added to secure it on the head and it will come with it's original black glass hat pin.

Excellent Condition

Pixie Chic!
Stylish yet whimsical, a winning combination from the early 1940s in black velvet and exotic feathers. The body of the hat is velvet over molded buckram. It has a pointed crown and rolled edge. The feather coque on the side is red and saffron with one dramatic pheasant feather.

The style has the same surreal flavor as similar creations by Elsa Schiaparelli from the 1930s. Very avant-garde then AND now.
There is no label but it came from the estate of a prominent family in the Boston area and I was told the woman had many of her things custom created. I was a custom milliner for a number of years so I know this hat would have required hours of tedious and meticulous crafting by a master. I am sure it is not a Schiaparelli but it certainly was influenced by her style.
It will come in the plain vintage hat box it had been stored in. The original owner most likely used bobby pins to secure her hat in place but I will be happy to add an elastic cord if you like. The cord attaches to the ribbon inside the hat and is worn under the hair in back of the head. It anchors the hat in place beautifully and is not seen. Just indicate this on the order form.
The size is in the medium range. My hat mannequin is smaller than a real person so the hat appears slightly larger than it actually is.
No flaws at all.

Excellent Condition
 

Gorgeous 1950s fuchsia pink picture/portrait hat!
This stunning vintage hat has a moderate brim measuring 12" across. The brim is swirled with fuchsia pink, silk organza. Think shocking pink whipped cream! The crown is rounded but unstructured and made out of doubled, deep pink netting. It is embellished with a swirl of multi-pink silk flowers, velvet leaves with pink chenille berries. A breathtaking hat, I guarantee the compliments.
The designer of this lovely confection was Miss Mary New York it was purchased at the Richard Healy Co. Worcester. It is Medium in size and will fit up to a 22" head measurement.

Excellent Condition

To determine a woman's hat size measure the head all around (front to back) at the center of the forehead. The measurement 22" has traditionally been considered the "average" size we will call that medium. Hat sizes are done in 1/4" increments. If a hat is under 22" I will call it small if it is over 22 1/2" I will use large as the size. If by chance a hat is over 23" it will be extra large.
 

THE most unique and stunning ladies fedora style hat!
The era for this one is the 1950s. It was created from a wonderful and unusual tweed felt. The felt has a mohair feel. The base color is slate blue and it is shot with black and tan "tufts" giving it a tweed appearance. The brim is generous measuring nearly 14" across. The crown is 4 1/2" high and rounded. It has a wide gross grain head band and double bow off to the side. The ribbon matches the hat color and is decoratively top stitched in multiple colored threads. The brim is shaped to dip down over the right eye. You know, that "Lady of Mystery" kind of thing. (My husband LOVES that look!). There is only a union label but the felt is printed with Etoile Melange blend felt. 70% wool 30% rayon. Henry Pollak Inc. New York.
 

Excellent Condition

To determine a woman's hat size measure the head all around (front to back) at the center of the forehead. The measurement 22" has traditionally been considered the "average" size we will call that medium. Hat sizes are done in 1/4" increments. If a hat is under 22" I will call it small if it is over 22 1/2" I will use large as the size. If by chance a hat is over 23" it will be extra large.

Black silk flowers and leaf tendrils comprise this sculpted peaked whimsey from the late 1950s -early 60s.
This vintage hat has a buckram frame with dome shape. At the peak are clusters of inky blossoms with wispy leaves cascading down to frame the edge.

A whimsical style, it looks quite dramatic with hair that is pulled back. It would also be especially cute, worn over a short pixie cut. The perfect foil to your little black dress.

The size is flexible and should fit most heads. It has a wired frame which holds nicely but a couple of bobby pins discreetly placed beneath the leaves would help secure it.
There is no label left but the millinery work is lovely.

Excellent Condition

1960s Sweet Black and Red "mushroom" cap. Soft acrylic yarn in deep red and black... vertical rib knit cap with loop detail on top... by Zwicker.

Stretchy one size fits most

Excellent Condition

 

Pretty!
1960s bubble cloche style hat in pink. The body of the hat is pink felt but the under brim has been covered with pink wool jersey for a contrast look. The crown is festooned with swirls of silk ribbon mixed with feathers and velvet or silk flower petals. There is a pale pink tulle overlay which has dots of iridescent glitter. The whole thing is neatly tied together with a pink grossgrain ribbon band which ends in a looped detail on the right. This one is pretty enough to eat! Unfortunately the designers label is gone but judging by it's quality and unusual detail work it must have been a high end item. The size is medium (22").


Excellent Condition

1960s Retro 20s Cloche style straw.
During the late 1960s and early 70s fashion had a fling with the Flapper era. Dropped waist dresses, T strap shoes and cloche style hats. Less than twenty years later it came around again (with shoulder pads) in the 1980s and it wouldn't be surprised at all if we see a new version of Flapper Style on the runway sometime soon.
This darling hat has a white par-sisol straw body molded into a cloche with asymmetrical rolled brim. It is festooned with pink and white silk roses, buds and leaves. A pink velvet ribbon circles the crown and there is also a velvet ribbon tucked into the flowers. The sizing ribbon is white grossgrain. There is no label inside. It came from the estate of a prominent family in the Boston area and I was told the woman had many of her things custom created. It is in wonderful condition. Perfect on the outside with just a very little discoloration inside around the band. It will come in the vintage hatbox it was stored in.
The size is med/ small. If your head measures just 22" or less it should fit right. My hat mannequin is smaller than a real person so the hat appears slightly larger than it actually is.

Excellent Condition

Cozy 1960s Amber mohair hat with leather band. Hand crochet... label gone but most likely made in Italy. Soft unstructured crown with narrow brim.

Stretchy one size fits most

Excellent Condition