Bill Blass- hat quote

"Red is the ultimate cure for sadness." 
Bill Blass

 

  The Metropolitan Musuem of Art

     Sally Victor-- milliner

Vintage 1940s hats' backbands

Many of the hats from the 1940s WW2 era, were small hats-- sometimes called "toy hats". The perky, small crowned hats were held in place with some type of backband.
The following are typical backbands that would have been used on a 1940s forward tilt hat--.    

All are currently listed at The Vintage Hat Shop.

Simple black elastic backband

Stiff circular wire covered in lace

Elastic covered in grosgrain ribbon

Wide black elastic

Band made of hat material

Authentic Horse Feathers, Really?

I had heard of the term "horse feathers" but I didn't really think there was such an item. Until I got interested in hats. Yes, there really  is such a thing. Just take a look at the feathers on the right side of this 1940s cocktail hat. Indeed, they do look just like horse hair.  Real authentic horse hair.  Dramatic and flattering.