Posted 13 years ago
erose
(3 items)
I bought this hat in a Australian OPshop a long time ago, I would love to know more about it. It has moved house with me at least 6 times and every time I debate if I should get rid of it. I just can't handle the thought of it getting squashed by someone. Not sure if the feathers that completely cover it are dyed black or they are the original colour. Would love some idea of its age. It is small size.
Thanks
I believe these are black rooster feathers. That is probably their natural color. Helmet or flowerpot shaped hats with all-over feathers wrapped around as these are were popular in the early 1950s, but the shape of this one is very unusual. Flowerpots and helmets are flat on the very top, where this is domed. I have not seen one shaped like it. Maybe that is because it is from Paris. It is a very nice hat and I think you should hang onto it.
Thanks Brenda. I have searched for similar shaped with no luck, now I know why. I will be keeping it. :-)
Hi again Erose,
After commenting on your hat I kept my eyes open and found a Schiaparelli with the same basic shape, which I added to my collection. See this link: http://brendagrantland.com/gallery/Schiaparelli/191a
I still haven't pinpointed the name of the style or the era, but Schiaparelli's hat confirms that it was a French style - maybe one that wasn't popular in the U.S..