Fanciful Feathers

Feathers have long been used as decorations for women's hats up until the latter years of World War II when they became difficult to obtain.  After the war cock, pigeon, and glycerinized ostrich feathers were again revived.

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Not only did they utilize feathers, but sometimes the entire bird!  The latter half of the 1930's showed a variety of hat styles like this unusual white feathered bird hat.  Photo from a Vogue 1936 Elizabeth Arden make-up ad. 

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Vogue says:  "You'll be preening your plumage, this autumn - what with feathers on practically every other hat."  That was the caption for this wonderful illustration by Eric from Vogue, 1938.  The black felt tricorn hat is from Louise Bourbon.

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Here is a sensational Vogue cover from 1939.  The fur and feathered tilt hat is by John Frederics.  Photo by Horst.

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This show-stopping, mustard colored felt hat with fabulous ostrich feathers dates from the late thirties, early forties. Maker unknown.   From my private collection. 

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Olive green feathers completely cover this fantastic hat.  Note the two delightful birds in the front.  Labeled: Northridge, New York. Circa 1940's.  From my private collection.

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Turquoise feathers overlay this smart black felt tilt hat. Circa 1940's  Maker unknown.  From my private collection.

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Michelle Tibbetts designed this marvelous, miniature, feathered, cocktail hat for Jose Ferrand's "Cognac Evening" ensemble.  Circa 1951.  From the Gene Marshall Collection by Ashton Drake.  OOAK necklace and fur from PD Root.  My model/muse is Gil-ty Girl Gene Marshall from Integrity.

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Here is a feathered hat I designed for Ashton Drake's "Fit For a Queen" suit ensemble.  Fur from Affordable Designs.  My model/muse is Integrity's Blush Gene Marshall.  Hair by Jim Gaddis.

Tilt Hats, Part 1

Tilt hats were seen in the late thirties often with a high crown and were designed to be worn either at an angle or perched toward the front of the head.  The early 40's saw tilt hats that were smaller in size and were referred to as "toy tilt hats".  Many had a "bandeau" or strap attached to the back of the hat to help secure it to the head.  Decorations ranged from a simple grosgrain band or single feather to the extreme with flowers, feathers, birds, fruit, and veiling.

This fabulous photo by George Platt Lynes appeared in the 1938 Vogue Autumn Forecast issue for furs and hats.  The wonderful lynx fur coat was from the fur salon at Marshall Field & Company, Chicago.  The marvelous Dache hat from the French Room.

This Rose Valois' topper of red felt banded with wide black grosgrain fashioned into a bow in the front was featured in a fashion spread called "Straightforward Paris Hats" from the 1939 Vogue Autumn Forecast issue for furs and hats. Photo by Horst.

A Suzy black felt with a satin ribbon snood accented with Mauboussin jewels. From "Straightforward Paris Hats", Vogue 1939 Autumn Forecast issue.  Photo by Horst.

I found this wonderful 1940's grey felt topper at a local thrift store. I love those tall, dramatic feathers. From my personal collection.

This red leather 1940's topper is labeled "Sunnycrest Original".  From my personal collection.

This late thirties OOAK topper was inspired by a hat worn by the villainess in a Sherlock Holmes film called "Dressed To Kill".

I made this tilt hat to go with Tonner's Brenda Starr, "Reporter In Red" suit. The bird and red veiling are vintage pieces.

One of my favorite Ashton Drake dolls, Top This Madra Lord. I did tweek the topper by removing the original veil and added the bird and vintage veiling. Fur by Dimithia.

Stay tuned for Part 2, More Tilt Hats. For your viewing enjoyment, be sure to click on the pictures to enlarge.