FANCY 1950s' MOTHER OF PEARL SEQUIN COCKTAIL HAT + OSTRICH FEATHERS

This is a most striking cocktail hat from the fabulous fifties! The small cap is decorated entirely with mother of pearl/iridescent sequins, and there are several "leaf" patterns on top, also made with sequins. There are white and beige ostrich feathers cascading down and back from one side where there is an interesting curly trim projecting upwards. As was the fashion at the time, there are 2 prongs at each side to help keep the hat in place. This is an absolutely elegant look! Daytime hats were de rigueur for women in the 1930s, except for more formal late afternoon events (art openings, cocktail parties, tea dances etc.) when a daytime hat just did not work with a cocktail dress. When Hollywood costume designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Mr. John paired a new, smaller hat with cocktail dresses in several movies, women of fashion around the world eagerly followed suit. Cocktail hats reached the height of their popularity during the 1950s. Label: MILLINERY SALON - LIT BROTHERS - PHILADELPHIA 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.