FANCY 1940s' BLACK STRAW WIDE BRIM HAT + CREAM FABRIC FLOWERS/LEAVES + VEIL

This is a beautiful and elegant 1940s' black straw wide brim hat. The crown is flat at the top and it is slanted, per 1940's fashions. The crown is surrounded by an upturned wide brim. There is a light cream colored band around the crown, plus a veil that is attached so it does not fall over the face. At the front there are gorgeous creme colored fabric flowers + 2 green leaves. 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 & artificial flowers were popular. Label: NEW YORK CREATION The New York Dress Institute was formed in 1941 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert as a joint venture between the clothing manufacturers of New York City & the ILGWU. The label was created by a group of well-known designers who wanted to remain anonymous & wanted to support the New York Creation label & keep it competitive with French styles of the era. The label is small, white and blue. 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.