Vintage Hat Friday

Some of the hats of the 1960s just make me smile and this is one of them. What a celebration of color and style. Maybe it’s because spring is just starting to unfold but this hat reminds me of daffodils and soft green willow branches.

Hat by Mr. John Jr.

This hat was designed my Mr. John, a designer that is much loved by many of my vintage hat sisters. Mr. John came to the US from Germany in 1919 and eventually formed a partnership with Frederick Hirst in 1929 under the brand John-Frederics. He started his own millinery company, Mr. John, Inc., in New York in 1948.

I can’t speak for you, but I find myself wanting to channel my inner Pharrell Williams…the crown on this linen sun hat is so tall! I especially love the double grosgrain ribbon bows in front. As you can see, the hat sits high on the forehead. I guess this was just the style but the modern milliner in me want to pull it down farther on the forehead.

Mr. John created the iconic hats for Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind. He died in 1993 at the age of 91. He was a prolific milliner and his hats are beloved by many. Maybe you have some of his hats in your collection. Until next week, have a lovely weekend!

Hat by Mr. John Jr.

Hat by Mr. John Jr.

Vintage Hat Friday

I have recently had the good fortune to acquire some wonderful vintage hats. I will be posting one each Friday for the next few months. When necessary (due to the hat being soiled or damaged) I restore them with new, clean ribbons or mega steaming and re-blocking to bring them back up to snuff. I can’t tell you how much fun it is as a milliner to discover how my predecessors have assembled these little gems and added their personal creative touches.

Black Turban, “Hats by Gertrude”

Since I seem to be on a turban kick, here’s an elegant little number with a label, “Hats by Gertrude.” I can’t seem to find anything online about this designer so I’m curious if she was a local to my Northeast Ohio neighborhood or not. If you know anything about this designer, please share! Not only do I love the way this demi-turban is draped, but the large pearl pin is shaped like a horseshoe with pearls at each end. Such a timeless piece, I would definitely wear this one any day!

Hats by Gertrude Turban – Back view

Vintage Hat Friday

Do you love vintage hats as much as I do? This one was purchased at the A. Polsky Co., Akron, Ohio, which was one of two large department stores in Akron that were directly across the street from one another. The maker is G. Howard Hodge – Fifth Avenue, New York. It’s a cream fur felt beret hybrid with a little brim that was blocked into the design. In true couture millinery fashion, the beaded applique and coordinating pearls and sequins are all sewn on by hand.

G. Howard Hodge Design

Hodge was a well known American milliner who worked in the millinery trade in San Francisco before establishing the G. Howard Hodge brand in New York in 1928. He worked in the trade his entire life and catered to wealthy clients.

I am not a vintage hat expert but would guess this hat to be from the 1950s. If you know more about it please feel free to comment!

Vintage Hat Friday

I recently found some wonderful vintage hats that I’d like to share with you. I always marvel at the construction of vintage pieces; the silhouettes and stitching are so creative.

This little hat does not have a designer label, but I love the detail and you may see me wearing this one around town! I love the pagoda-like pleating and small scale of the piece. The feather is a wonderful accent, topped with the sweetest little felt flowers with rhinestone centers. Just a charming little piece that will definitely turn heads!

Vintage Hat Friday

I love this hat! The base is cape net so it’s light and airy. It’s covered with fine maline and the maline is also ruffled over the small brim. Black silk flowers surround the crown. So simple but super cute. The maker is Cathay of California, probably 1950s.

Cathay of California

 

Vintage Hat Friday

Does this hat crack you up as much as it does me? If I ever wore this hat in public (highly doubtful, BTW) I wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face. It doesn’t have a designer label but is definitely 1960s/early 1970s and was purchased at Bonwit Teller. The original tag is still attached and it sold for $15. It’s for sale in my Etsy shop for a song if you’re interested.

Vintage Hat Friday

Hello Hat Lovers,

This hat is so interesting. When I first saw it from a distance, I thought the pom-poms were made of fur. Instead, they’re made of straw. The base of this hat is a very fine black straw, blocked into a sassy shape. The “under-brim” is an orange crepe fabric. The label says Veola Modes, NY. It was sold at Wm. Taylor Son & Co, London, Cleveland, Paris. Since the original owner lived in Cleveland, I’m guessing she bought it there.What era do you think it’s from hat specialists? I’m guessing 1950s.

Such a fun and elegant hat. (From my collection.)

Vintage Hat Friday

This funky little hat is by Sally Victor. I’m not sure how much fun it was to wear; the feathers draping around the face could get to be a bit annoying, I would think. Anyway, here’s a little cocktail hat for your enjoyment this Friday.

Vintage Hat Friday

Hello Hat Lovers,

Today’s hat is another great spring look from the past. It’s shaped like a flat beret and is completely covered in tiny daffodils. I challenge you not to think spring and Easter when you see this cutie.

The designer is Vincent Harmik, who created hats for Bonwit Teller in the 1960s. Since this hat also has The Halle Bros. Co. label, he also made hats for this department store.

Vintage Hat Friday

This sweet little hat is so cheery! It’s made by Miss Verra, 1950s. Sold originally at Bonwit Teller. I particularly like the shirring of the fabric on the crown and the gentle “sprinkle” of violets on the back. So darn cute.