Hat

During the war years of the 1940s, when materials used for clothing were rationed, hats were a way for women to express their personality and include some liveliness into what were sometimes somber war-time ensembles. Hats with a small crown worn at a rakish angle were typical, and added a sense of fun. The net face veil is also characteristic of the time, as are the numerous quirky bow decorations. The donor had the hat made to order at Bergdorf Goodman, an elite New York City department store whose millinery department was well-known. Because of war time this would have been a luxury, but it was also seen as patriotic to support American industry.