SUMPTUOUS 1940s' BLACK STRAW WIDE BRIM HAT WITH VEILING

This hat is an incredibly beautiful piece of 1940's fashion/millinery history! The hat is made of fine black straw. The crown is round, surrounded by a wide brim that only extends towards the front and sides, but not the back, as photographed. This creates a most creative shape that makes this hat unique. At both sides, where the brim meets the crown there are straw "wings" that are superimposed. There is a thin strip of veiling that falls down and can be worn towards the front, or over the hair at the back. It can also be tucked into the crown. What a beauty! 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: Styled by CORALIE, plus size 22 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.