Philip Somerville Vintage Sculpted Little Black Velvet Veil Hat

Forget little black dress, this little black hat will make you feel royal. Made by Philip Somerville, a London-based milliner who made innumerable hats for Queen Elizabeth, this black velveteen widows peak hat elegantly dips down over the forehead. The hat features a softly structured cap sleekly edged with a line of black sequins.

A single-looped velveteen bow curves sprightly from the center back, which is also ornamented with a tight ridge of sequins to catch slivers of sparkle and light. The interior grosgrain ribbon headband is combined with a black elasticized chinstrap for a secure fit. A black eye net pays homage to the drama of hats from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Somerville’s hat provides the wearer with ample opportunity to transform an unnoticed ensemble into something absolutely eye catching. New York Times reporter Suzy Menkes asserts that Somerville’s designs “…never appear absurd or flippant, but rather works of art and craft” (June 10, 2003).

Size estimate: One size fits most

Length: 7.5 inches

Width curved: 9.5 inches

This late 1980s-early 90s black velveteen hat by Philip Somerville is in excellent condition. A soft, but structured cap tapers down to peak over the forehead. The perimeter is edged with black sequins, and turned to the inside with a grosgrain ribbon headband. An elastic cord chinstrap is also integrated into the interior band.

A single-looped sequined black velveteen bow is affixed at center back, with tale ends curved elegantly up and around to the right side. Black netting is attached at the back, and can be pulled down over the forehead or left swept up to the back. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.