50s half hat - Gem。This glorious 1950s\' cocktail hat is a beautiful example of the extravagant millinery fashions of the era. The solid, but flexible structure of this hat is covered in a satiny creme colored fabri. There are two openings at each side, as seen on the photos. The hat is completely covered in fantastic beads and pearls in a sweeping pattern. It is breathtaking! The hat will fit most heads, since it adjusts to the head by its design and construction. Even the inside is beautifully finished with lace trim. History of the cocktail hat: Daytime hats were de rigueur for women in the 1930s, except for more formal late afternoon events (art openings, cocktail parties, tea dances etc.) when a daytime hat just did not work with a cocktail dress. When Hollywood costume designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Mr. John paired a new, smaller hat with cocktail dresses in several movies, women of fashion around the world eagerly followed suit. Cocktail hats reached the height of their popularity during the 1950s. There is no label, indicating it was a custom-made creation. This is an authentic piece of fashion history! This hat is in wonderful vintage condition & has been lovingly preserved among over 1300 vintage hats we have collected for 40+ years. Feathers, straw, flowers & veils are fragile, given their age. Mannequin not for sale.