Imaginative Felts

"A hat must be a creation of realities and dreams and that it should be remembered with pleasure by those who see it."   Aage Thaarup's Theory of Millinery

Women's Fashion 1930 - 1939
Illustration courtesy allposters.com

The unusual shaped and often whimsical quality of women's hats during the late 1930's became a popular design feature of millinery during this turbulent time period. Italian born French designer Elsa Schiaparelli was most notably associated with the Surrealist Movement that sought to "liberate the imagination". She was a master at the technique of manipulating felt and other materials into delightfully stylish and sophisticated hats with a touch of humor.

Elsa Schiaparelli's "Hurricane Hat" from 1936.
Illustrated for Vogue by Eric. Photo courtesy antiquetrader.com

Miss Madra Lord

An asymmetric, rich forest green, wool felt hat with feather and beading detail is tailor made for Monolithic Studios' star Madra Lord by the milliners at The Couture Touch. Miss Lord's jacket, blouse, and gloves are from Ashton Drake, handbag from PD Root, and the ooak cigarette holder is from Mystyna. The luscious mink cape is from miniature furrier Dimitha. Dream Sequence Madra Lord is from Integrity.

Miss Gene Marshall

Gene Marshall captivates her fans in a chic, royal blue, wool felt, Deco-inspired hat from The Couture Touch. Miss Marshall knows the importance of choosing the right hat for her outfit. Fur-collared jacket and matching muff are from D.A.E. Originals' "Business Call" suit ensemble. Embroidered gloves are from Ashton Drake. Blue Belle Gene Marshall, enhanced with an articulated body from Integrity, is from Ashton Drake.

Not your typical felts. Intriguing new hats for 1939. Left: a cocoa-brown, forward-jutting beret from Schiaparelli.
Photo courtesy justskirtsanddresses.blogspot.com

Whimsical felt hat from Caroline Reboux, 1938.
Photo courtesy hprints.com

"In difficult times fashion is always outrageous."    Elsa Schiaparelli

Inspiration: Architectural Details

The Art Deco period of the 1930's inspired the milliners at The Couture Touch to design this chic felt cocktail hat exclusively for Monolithic Studios' resident jazz singer, Miss Violet Waters. Gown from Madame Alexander. Jewels from Ashton Drake. OOAK cigarette holder is from Mystyna.

Art Deco inspired cocktail hat 

Stunning Art Deco elevator doors from the Chrysler Building.
Photo courtesy g-buckley1215-dc.blogspot.com 

Miss Violet Waters

Credits:
Sunset Serenade Violet Waters is from Integrity.

Inspiration: Vintage Fashion Magazines

The creative process of a milliner often begins with a source of inspiration. When designing hats for the discriminating miniature divas of Monolithic Studios, I often refer to vintage European fashion magazines such as L'Officiel, L'Art et la Mode, La Femme Chic, Femina, and Modes et Travaux for inspiration. Here are just a few examples featuring some extraordinary hats from 1936 to 1948.

La Femme Chic, 1943

La Femme Chic, 1945

Femina, 1948

Annabelle, 1942

Italian fashion magazine, Dea, 1936

Modes et Travaux, 1944.
Photo courtesy fr.wikipedia.org

Modes et Travaux, 1943.
Photo courtesy vmcfashion.wordpress.com

All photos are courtesy hprints.com unless otherwise noted. CLICK HERE for more Vintage Design and Inspiration links from The Couture Touch.

Renoir Hat

Actress Ina Claire in a hat that Renoir might have put in one of his sunny canvases. A light green rough straw, crowned with huge roses and a lace veil. From Bergdorf Goodman. Illustration by Eric for Vogue 1941.

Actress Madra Lord is picture perfect in a luscious cocktail suit topped with a delightful floral hat from The Couture Touch. "City Sleeker" suit ensemble is from Integrity. Deep Rose Madra Lord is from Integrity's Stepping High Collection.

Happy July 4th!

June Collyer
Photo courtesy leonard malton/blogs.indiewire.com