Rare 1928 Jazz Age Couture Cloche | Hand-Willowed Ostrich Featherwork | Exceptional Condition | As Featured in Juicy History *Free Shipping

Extraordinary Jazz Age Fringed Cloche, Free Shipping

Authentic 1928 Couture Millinery with Willowed Ostrich Featherwork

Authentic. This is not a reproduction. As featured in Juicy History.

Some hats are beautiful. A very few are unforgettable.

This is one of them.

Dated to about 1928, at the height of the Jazz Age, this extraordinary ostrich feather- fringed cloche is one of the most beautiful examples of 1920s millinery I have had the pleasure to own.  It is such a treasure and the original owner was an exceedingly fashionable woman...if only we knew who she was.  This hat was considered couture at the time, and was quite costly.

The overall design is ethereal. The ombré featherwork moves from deep black to brilliant ultramarine blue.  The feather fringe floats and moves in the air and at times, dramatically veils the eyes with every step.

By the late 1920s, millinery design embraced sculptural asymmetry and this is exemplary.

This cloche is a millinery masterpiece. The foundation was handwoven from fine black straw so fine that it resembles linen. It is covered in black silk and rayon.  The dramatically asymmetrical brim is artfully swoops low to create a silhouette that is forever memorable.

What elevates this hat is its featherwork.

The luxurious ostrich feathers have been individually willowed or extended by hand. This is an extraordinarily labor-intensive process.  Each tiny feather section is lengthened by tying two or more pieces together with a single human hair. In this case, the result is an extraordinary ombré cascade, shifting from rich black to regal ultramarine blue.  

At the top of the crown, a sculpted feather pompom finishes the design. 

Collectors, museum professionals, and fashion historians who have seen this hat always stop to stare when it catches their eye. This is one of those exceedingly rare pieces that photographs beautifully but is all the moreextraordinary in person.

The condition is incredible and exceptional, bordering on near mint. There is a slight bend to one section of internal wiring at the front that could be corrected by a skilled conservator if desired. In my professional opinion, it does not detract in any meaningful way from the cloche. The feathers remain vibrant, supple, and fully intact.  Amazing.

There are no stains, holes, fraying, storage odors, or evidence of feather loss. The interior remains beautifully preserved.

This is not simply a beautiful hat.

It is an exceptional example of 1920s millinery couture, worthy of the finest collections devoted to fashion history and textile arts. 

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Measurements

Fits approximately 22 inches (56 cm). Remarkably comfortable despite its dramatic scale.

Condition

Excellent condition overall, bordering on near mint. One slight bend to the internal wiring does not detract from the overall appearance. Feathers remain secure and do not shed. No stains, breaks, shattering, fraying, or storage odors. Interior exceptionally clean and well preserved.

Provenance

This is one of my most treasured pieces from my personal collection.

Featured in Juicy History and discussed in my in-depth article about historic millinery ostrich featherwork in the millinery industry.