EXOTIC Vintage 1950s BILL CUNNINGHAM Bird Of Paradise Hat WILLIAM J. Feathers

Description: A true masterpiece of millinery expertise. A work of art. Definitely museum worthy. Exquisite and eye catching, this gorgeous vintage hat is by Bill Cunningham, AKA William J. as was the name he used when he was a milliner. While more known today for his long running New York Times fashion column "On The Street" and more, his incredible hats have become equal in stature and are highly sought after, many in the collections of major museums around the world. This millinery creation is a real beauty and quite special. The closer you get to the hat, the more of a wonder it becomes! Bill adored featuring birds and feathers on his hats as well as in his own personal costumes. He used pheasant feathers, coque plumes and sometimes whole birds, but this hat is extra special....he used exotic and rare Bird Of Paradise! The hat is small and very sculptural in shape, made if finest French fur-felt with a buttery soft finish, and the bird really stands out against the black. He appears as if he just landed on the hat, and his 2 long thin "wires" curl gently and cascade down the side. His throat feathers glow an iridescent vivid green that is very striking. (the green is much much more vivid in person than in my photos). Simplicity and pure genius. He used his hand written label, which he hand signed "William J." in black ink on a cream grosgrain ribbon. Completely hand sewn, of course. Museum worthy and a a scarce treasure for any serious millinery and fashion collector. Excellent clean condition. One of his tiny glass eyes is missing is the only flaw to note. The bird is in otherwise perfect well preserved condition with no shedding or loss. Felt is supple and clean. Comes fresh from the estate of the original owner, here in Beverly Hills. Was well stored in a box, kept away from light, air and pests. Lovingly cared for. Excellent clean condition. One of his tiny glass eyes is missing is the only flaw to note. The bird is in otherwise perfect well preserved condition with no shedding or loss. Felt is supple and clean. Comes fresh from the estate of the original owner, here in Beverly Hills. Was well stored in a box, kept away from light, air and pests. Lovingly cared for. A great gift for the hat collector. Thank you for looking. I show the hat on a 3/4 scale head and a full sized millinery head, the heads are not included. Please ask if you need more details. Thank you! SHIPPING...... Shipped Priority mail with full insurance added. We ship from the West Coast. Shipping will be less than shown for most of the West Coast. We normally ship every 4 days. Please ask if you need this shipped faster or to arrive for a certain date and we can comply in most cases. Shipped USPS with insurance and tracking. West Coast ship may be less than shown and will be adjusted after auction ends. WE COMBINE SHIPPING to save you money on postage. COLOR NOTES: PLEASE.... ask if you need more info, as there will be NO RETURNS if it is not the exact shade of color that you see on your computer or device. Shipping is not refundable.......so please ask if you have questions or concerns. PLEASE SEE OUR AUCTIONS FOR MORE ANTIQUE and VINTAGE HATS, Clothing, AND MORE....THANK YOU....Isadora PLEASE SEE THE PHOTOS as they serve as part of the condition description. PLEASE SEE THE PHOTOS. Selling as found, well described.

Price: 377 USD

Location: Long Beach, California

End Time: 2024-11-05T19:58:31.000Z

Shipping Cost: 9.9 USD