A feather, a veil, a few sequins or beads--it doesn't take much to make a vintage cocktail hat. These little confections--generally brimless hats with extravagant embellishments, intended for evening wear--are the perfect complements to a vintage dress or suit. It's no wonder they're sometimes called whimsies.
Here are a few of my favorites:
First up is a circle hat, or circlet--this one is made of mink, but they're often some kind of fabric or velvet; always with a veil for a peek-a-boo top.
This birdcage veil hat (sometimes called a whimsy) is nothing more than a veil, with a bow on top. Some of them have feathers or chenille dots; some of them nothing more than the allure of the veil.
This is feather cocktail hat has a wonderful asymmetrical design, with feathers sweeping across the front and down one side.
This last beauty is a wool skull cap with bugle beads in a luscious pink. I love the free form shape of the front of the hat.
