FASCINATING 1950s' BLACK VELVET COCKTAIL HAT WITH BEADING & FEATHER ADORNMENT

This fascinating 1950s' black velvet cocktail hat is very elegant and unusual, but typical of this. glamorous era. The velvet cap has a narrow band decorated with intricate paillette beads, and completed with an ostrich feather poufff. There is a tiny comb inside, typical of 1950s' hats, to hold it in place. It is in wonderful vintage condition. An ageless style which will compliment any dress style. History of the cocktail hat: 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: "REPLICA DE PARISIENNE", size 22, and the felt is imprinted: "VERSAILLES BODY MADE IN FRANCE". Lovingly preserved among over 1300 vintage hats we have collected over 40+ years. Mannequin not for sale.