Vintage 1950s Black Straw Cartwheel Hat With White Gardenias 。This hat is a very distinctive fashion look from the fabulous 50s\'. The structure is rigid and covered in black fabric. The crown is almost flat, and is surrounded by an imposing large brim which is turned down at the edges. The brim is edged with black grosgrain. The top of the hat around the crown there =are 2 velvety ropes...one black and the other white. At the back there is a bow made from the black velvety rope.On each side inside the hat there are 2 \"stays\" that immediately date the hat to the 50s\' when they were popular...they help keep the hat in place. Stunning! Throughout the 1950s, ladies wore hats daily as a part of their attire as was a pair of gloves. Post war 1940’s and 1950’s saw many women choosing not to wear hats on a regular basis. To preserve its market, the millinery industry set about creating variety and extravagance. Generally speaking hats remained small and close to the head. They were now touted as the essential accessory to complete the ensemble. Alternatively, ‘pancake’, ‘mushroom’ or ‘cart wheel’ hats sat flat atop the head reviving turn of the century styles. There is no designer label, indicating it was a custom-made creation. This is an authentic piece of fashion history! This hat is in wonderful vintage condition & has been lovingly preserved among over 1300 vintage hats we have collected for 40+ years. Feathers, straw, furs, flowers & veils are fragile, given their age. Mannequin not for sale.