Halston began his career as a milliner. In 1959 he was made head milliner for Bergdorf Goodman's and became a sensation. His hats were featured heavily in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and he gained international notoriety when Jacqueline Kennedy wore his pillbox hat that she wore to the Presidential inauguration. He stayed at Bergdorf's until mid-January 1968 and pieces from this time period are exceedingly rare and this is one of the very few with this label inside that I have seen come to market.

The hat is one of his quirkier pieces and bears a striking resemblance to the part of the Halston hat that we can see, photoed by David Bailey for Vogue in 1965. It is made out of a black velvet with stiffened net inside to hold the shape. It has beautiful rounded curves that play on a beanie shape but with more structure and form. The top is detailed with a flat velvet covered disc that is circled with faux fur. The faux fur shows some flattening from age but is otherwise fine. That little disc sits atop a 'stalk' that enables it to bobble and move as you do. A quirky and unusual little detail. Halston believed that a hat was a "covering which is supposed to make you glamorous, exciting, and more interesting than anyone else". This has all that and more in spades. Excellent condition

20.5" circumference. Hand block and made completely by hand. Attached interior combs and finished with interior horsehair netting and grosgrain ribbon.

Item# A342

Reference Photo: Model in Halston Hat. Photo by David Bailey. Vogue, September 1965.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.