Vintage 60s Irene of New York Multi-Beaded Brocade Miniature Pillbox Hat

The cylindrical shape of the hat nods playfully at the fez, though topped by a square knob rather than a tassel.

Lined in crimson satin, the hat has two tortoise plastic combs to secure it to the head. Labelled "Irene of New York", it also has a store label which reads "Battelstein, Houston", and a cloth museum accession tag.

Born in Brooklyn, high-end milliner Irene Stone began making hats in the late 1940s. Her chief designer Bob Greene eventually became her son-in-law (and stayed on with her even after his wife had died, telling the New York Times in 1959 that Irene was a "terrific grandmother"). In the 1960s, Irene's hats were available in top department stores such as Henri Bendel, Bonwit Teller, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Battelstein's was a chain of clothing stores in Houston which grew from a single 1897 tailor shop; the chain remained family run until 1969.

With a 20" circumference and a depth of 2.5", the hat is in very good condition, with some bead loss apparent on close inspection which does not detract from the overall presentation.

Proud Member of the VFG Vintage Fashion Guild

Item ID: au471