Rare Chanel Vintage Black Wool Beret Wedding Evening Veil Hat Documented

When Gabrielle Chanel opened her first boutique on the Rue Cambon in Paris in 1910, it was hats she debuted to her early clientele. Having performed as a singer before becoming a designer, Coco, as she was nicknamed on stage, had a sense for theatrics as much as she did for a simplicity she found lacking in a modern woman’s wardrobe. Famous actresses of the day took note and began making her a name years before she unveiled the sportswear, perfume and haute couture that would firmly establish the House of Chanel.

Fine millinery remains a hallmark of the French megabrand nearly a century later, as exemplified in this exquisite beret. The classic silhouette gets the luxe treatment in plush black fur felt embellished with a crisscrossed silk satin ribbon on top. A fine silk netting accented by chenille polka dots is affixed to its crown, creating a birdcage veil at the front and a shoulder-length one at the back. Style it as shown or pull the veil over the head; it can be worn many ways. Seeking inspiration? Look to Chanel’s advertisements during the Eighties, which starred the model and muse Inès de la Fressange wearing the iconic accessory.

Measurements:

Diameter: 21.5 inches

Veil length front: 9 inches, Veil length back :17 inches

This vintage Chanel beret Exterior is excellent condition. The Interior has signs of use, Interior grosgrain ribbon has slits cut into it by the previous owner to make the fit more generous, see image 8. It is made of black fur felt, with a silk satin ribbon detail on top, a veil of silk French netting accented with black chenille dots and a black grosgrain headband. 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.