Circa 1944 Handwoven Black Straw Hat From WWII Era

The saying goes that there is nothing new under the sun, and so this could have been said when the English took the fashion world by storm in recent years with their fantastic Fascinators. This hat from circa 1944 could be used to prove that point because of its fascinator-shaped silhouette. 

The resounding design issue for milliners during WWII was to create elegant fashion that would fit within wartime budgets and this is a terrific example.  This hat style could not be simpler in design nor more frugal in materials. 

The hat is a tailored, forward-thrusting style that was considered quite stylish and popular during the 1940s decade; it was handwoven entirely from genuine black straw. 

Such hats were coined “doll hats” or “toy hats” and were worn by fashionable adult women. 

The loop designed onto the back of the hat was draped around a chignon styled or loosely coifed hair. This allowed the hat to safely perch at a seductive tilt to one side, over the forehead and slightly to the side of the head. As everyone knows from the fascinator styles designed over the more recent years, this design especially emphasizes the eyes. 

The hat is simple in design because clothing for the fashionable woman during WWII also became simple in line and materials out of necessity.
This simplicity allows the hat to be trimmed in any way that the wearer might wish, even with a simple ribbon or a brooch from your jewelry box. In the 1940s, women always had a small collection of silk floral millinery pins to trim their hats with. 

The hat is designed to fit a size 22 inches or 56 cm. Unfortunately, it has no maker’s mark whatsoever.

Vintage 1940s Homburg by Stetson

This is a vintage Royal Stetson Homburg from the 1940s.

The felt feels like the softest cashmere to the hand. The quality is divine.

True to homburg design, the hat features a deep center crease in the tall crown. It has a firm, upturned brim that is edged with slightly contrasting silk grosgrain. A warm black silk grosgrain band surrounds the crown, and finished with a sharp bow.

This beaver hat dates to between 1945-1947 by its unique label. It is an exquisite example of a post World War II homburg. 

Scarlet Red 1940s Plumed Hat with Original Veil

Scarlet red and gorgeous.

This was the millinery silhouette required to top those 1940s broad shouldered dresses or suits with slim pencil skirts.  

The hat was obviously designed for a bold, energetic woman who was not afraid to show her colors.  It has all the class and style that  first debuted in France when Christian Dior launched The New Look, early in 1947.  It dates to circa 1948. 

The hat is worn at a flirty tilt and held in place with a millinery elastic. It features the original, heavily textured, French silk veil
that is unusually perfect. The upward thrusting feathered trim is mounted upon the same felted wool panels as that from which the hat is made. The trim is made from slightly iridescent French coq.

The hat's designer label is missing, unfortunately. However, the  millinery union label is there and also points this era. This hat is a wonderful example of post World War II millinery fashions.