Walter Florell hat front
Good morning hat enthusiasts! Our recent cold weather is the source of inspiration for this week’s vintage hat review. This particular piece is wool felt with a ring of feathers around the brim and a luscious wide satin ribbon – an artful combination of grace, elegance and style. Not only does the asymmetrical shape set this hat apart from others, but it imparts a feeling of warmth mixed with a healthy dose of glamour. Here’s to making every Friday a special occasion by wearing a stunning piece like this one!
Walter Florell hat back
The maker, Walter Florell, (1911-1986) grew up in Berlin and became interested in costume design while dancing professionally with the Berlin Opera Company. He journeyed to the United States in the late 1930s and opened a millinery salon in New York City in 1939. Florell probably created this piece between the 1940s and 1950s, a time when hats were as important to a well-put-together look as the outfit itself. A few of the prominent women who wore his hats include Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, and the Duchess of Windsor.
