DEBONAIR 1940s' BLACK FELT HAT WITH FUR + OSTRICH FEATHER TRIM

This is a unique black felt hat from the fashionable 1940s'. It consists of a wide band with a round shape at the top, extending towards the back over the head into a knot and large bow. The top edges of the felt are adorned with intricate corde trim. The front is enhanced with brown fur (milk?). There is also a black ostrich feather projecting forward and down. What a masterpiece of construction! This was a high end, certainly very expensive hat. The wartime 40’s saw a huge variety of hats that were suitable for any face shape, hairstyle or personal preference. Throughout the war & on both sides of the Atlantic, elaborate creations brightened dreary utility fashions, brought about by rationing. The only items not rationed were hat materials. Explosions of feathers, veiling fur & artificial flowers were popular. Label: NEW YORK CREATION (size 22) + store label: MARCHE HATS New York The New York Creation label was created by a group of well-known designers who wanted to remain anonymous & wanted to support the label & keep it competitive with French styles of the era. The label is small, white and blue & most of the time it states the hat size…22 or 23, or ADJUSTABLE. This is an authentic piece of fashion history! This hat is in wonderful vintage condition & has been lovingly preserved among over 1300 vintage hats we have collected for 40+ years.Feathers, straw, flowers & veils are fragile, given their age. Mannequin not for sale.