GLITZY 1950s' IRIDESCENT BEADED COCKTAIL "JULIET CAP" HAT

This is a stunning millinery creation from the over the top elegant 1950's. This wavy Juliet Cap is made of a stiff netting material and it opens slightly, then snaps back to hold the hat in place. It also has an elastic band to help hold it in place. The top of the hat is completely "embroidered" with iridescent beads forming "leaves". There are also beads in the shape of a pointy seashell to add drama to this surely expensive creation. A Juliet cap is a small open-work crocheted or mesh cap, often decorated with pearls, beads, or jewels, and chiefly worn with evening gowns or as bridal wear. The cap is named after the heroine of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, who is sometimes portrayed wearing one. 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. There is no designer label, but it does have a store label: SAKS FIFTH AVENUE MILLINERY SALON. 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,