1950s Picture Hat

Condition:
Very good vintage condition with gentle age-related wear. All floral trims remain intact and the structure is well-preserved. Part of Doreen’s lifelong curated wardrobe.

Key Features:

• Material: Feels like mid-century synthetic mesh with rayon/acetate floral trims and velvet crown
• Colour: Charcoal grey and black
• Design:
  • Wide New Look–era brim
  • Pleated velvet centre panel
  • Hand-applied floral fabric trim
  • Lightweight sculptural mesh structure
• Style: Mid-century 1950s New Look millinery
• Brand: Tailored Woman, Fifth Avenue (Designer’s Salon)

Background of the Brand/Fabric/Style/Era:
Tailored Woman was a respected Fifth Avenue speciality store known for refined tailoring and elegant millinery. Their Designer’s Salon represented high-end, small-run designs crafted by New York milliners. This 1950s picture hat reflects the Dior-influenced New Look era, defined by oversized brims, sculptural silhouettes, and floral embellishments worn to theatres, luncheons, and fashionable social events.

Provenance – Doreen Willis Bailey:
This piece comes from the wardrobe of Doreen Willis Bailey, a Canadian-born TWA hostess in the 1940s–50s who later worked with the American government promoting international travel in the UK. Known for her cosmopolitan lifestyle and impeccable taste, she met and served influential figures such as JFK. Now celebrating her 100th year, Doreen remains a living bridge between the golden age of travel and mid-century elegance.

Size Information:

• Measurements:
  • Inner head circumference: 53 cm
• Modern Sizing Equivalent:
  • Approx. Small / 53 cm millinery size

Materials:
Feels like mid-century synthetic mesh with rayon/acetate floral trims and velvet crown.

Care Instructions:
Store boxed to preserve shape. Avoid moisture. Light dusting only. Professional millinery restoration recommended for deeper cleaning.

Visit Us or Shop Online

Order online with worldwide delivery, or visit us in-store at Gong Nong Bing Vintage,

68 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0BB, to try on and collect your items (£1 admin fee applies).

UK delivery: £4 on orders under £100, free over £100.

International delivery: Calculated at checkout

Explore More
Want to see more from Doreen’s Wardrobe? Browse here, or explore our vintage accessories.