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Hat

Designer Valentina American

1940s

Not on view

This hat form, a version of which Valentina first encountered in the early 1920s as theatrical costume when she belonged to a theater troupe, recalls the shape of broad-brimmed hats worn for centuries in China as protection from the elements. Variations of the type appeared in her collections for decades, and Valentina was particularly fond of wearing the style herself. This example was originally worn by the actress Lillian Gish, a longtime client of Valentina’s.

Hat, Valentina (American, born Kyiv 1899–1989), silk, glass, American — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Hat

Designer: Valentina (American, born Kyiv 1899–1989)

Date: 1940s

Culture: American

Medium: silk, glass

Credit Line: Promised Gift of Sandy Schreier

Accession Number: L.2018.61.75

The Met

The Costume Institute at The Met

The Costume Institute's collection of more than 33,000 costumes and accessories represents five continents and seven centuries of fashionable dress and accessories for men, women, and children.