Bes-Ben Hats

One of the most creative milliners of all time was Benjamin B. Green-Field, a Chicago born and raised businessman who in 1919 along with his sister Bessie, created the famous label: Bes-Ben. Their colorful, whimsical, yet elegant hats adorned Hollywood celebrities and Chicago Society ladies alike.

In the early 1940's "Chicago's Mad Hatter" began to incorporate unusual items into his hats including animals, bugs, fruit, and even doll furniture. The following photographs are just a small sample of his body of work.

Sea Horses courtesy liveauctioneers.com

Dogs on a Spiral Hat courtesy worthpoint.com

Photo courtesy cappelli-hats.weebly.com

Rooster Crown Hat with Veil courtesy polyvore.com

Doll Furniture Hat courtesy Lallu Chic on Pinterest

The Couture Touch salutes Bes-Ben with this whimsical concoction based on the milliner's famous decorated spiral hats. A vintage berry topper from The Hat Bar of Marshall Field's & Company was used to create this delightful chapeau for Integrity's Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall. Top and necklace are from Ashton Drake.

The inspiration for Miss Marshall's hat.

Links of Interest:

"Hats Off to Bes-Ben"   Chicago Tribune article written by Sharon Stangenes, December 21, 1988.

Benjamin B. Green-Field Foundation   Includes biography and more photos of Bes-Ben hats.