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 awide 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 22This 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.