May and My Love of Hats

May makes me think of hats…maybe it’s the Kentucky Derby.  Maybe it’s remembering the black straw with the big turned up brim that I wore to church in high school.  Such a fashion statement!  Or it could have been the hot pink derby hat I wore with the faux black suit I designed in college.  Whatever it is, May just says ‘HATS’ to me. 
You might like to check out this link to see the current Kentucky Derby Hats!   http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/04/living/kentucky-derby-hats/index.html?hpt=hp_abar
I thought it might be a great time to share the story of one of my vintage hats that is on my etsy site www.etsy.com/shop/brittdesign .
Many years ago, I started collecting hats.  I love to wear hats that are unusual and as people discovered my love, they started giving me their old ones.  One of those gifts was this Archie Eason hat that looks like three doves were swooping around and decided to land on my head.  It was just unique enough to become one of my favorites.  I also love to research fashion items and see who made them, where and why.  The why is harder!

First label

Archie Eason Hat
As I researched, I found that his trademark was the green rhinestone.  He designed in the 1950’s – 1970’s and I would love to know who wore this hat and to what function!  I found his niece on the internet (isn’t it just an amazing tool?) and sent her the pictures.  Her aunt, Archie’s wife, told her that this hat with the signed label inside was one of his early creations.   His niece also wrote, “He created hats for Mamie Eisenhauer and Queen Elizabeth, numerous other famous people. The movie Bonnie and Clyde that Faye Dunnaway wore the Berets in was his creations and started a craze for berets.  He also created the head dresses for the Miss America pageant one year.  Archie was a very flamboyant person as you can tell from this particular hat.”  What a treasure!

Green Rhinestone Trademark

By the way, I have worn this hat to a couple of special birthday parties with a hat theme and had a great time.  Hats are certainly personality showcases!
 
I think it needs to come forward and perhaps have a different outfit!  But it was a great birthday party!

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Comments

  1. Truscale29May 8, 2012 at 3:22 PM

    Interesting. Not sure what to say, I'm at a loss for words. Sister! That's the word, Sister!

    ReplyDelete

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