Name: 1950s Claude Saint Cyr Pillbox Hat | Gray Tapestry Masterpiece
Brand: Claude Saint Cyr
SKU: Hat383
Availability: InStock

1950s Claude Saint Cyr pillbox hat with a bold tapestry weave.

Pillbox Hat Details

Stunning pillbox hat from noted milliner Claude Saint Cyr.
Woven tapestry in gray, black, and cream zigzag design.
Black fabric lining.
This hat is part of a collection made from traditional French Aubusson tapestry. This innovative collaboration between Saint-Cyr and her husband, interior designer Georges Martin, was inspired after Martin recovered the chairs in Saint-Cyr’s salon.
Saint Cyr named the first collection Aubusson. She made only 160 tapestry hats, some with matching coats, over the next four years.
The weavers, accustomed to making carpets, learned how to build a hat and use finer weaves.

NOT SHIPPABLE TO ITALY due to Italian customs prohibition.

VINTAGE CONDITION

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HAT SIZE

HOW TO FIND YOUR HAT SIZE

Pull a fabric tape measure or length of string around your head just slightly above the ear, across the mid-forehead, completely circling your head.
Hold the tape firmly, but not too tightly. You are measuring your head exactly where the hat will sit in either inches or centimeters.
If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the next largest size.
Then buy a fabulous vintage hat from Madge

SEE OUR HAT SIZING CHART

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SHIPPING & RETURNS

We ship items within five business days. Occasionally, there might be shipping delays. If this occurs, we will promptly notify you.

Clothing and accessories ship via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx, selecting the best option based on price and insurance. Jewelry ships either First Class or Priority. For overseas orders, we use International First Class. Please refer to our Shipping Information for detailed rates.

International buyers are responsible for all customs duties. PLEASE NOTE: Starting July 1, 2021, EU members will incur VAT taxes based on the specific country’s tax rates during importation.

We know you may be wary about buying vintage items. If so, we do offer returns. If you receive vintage pieces and are dissatisfied or if the item doesn’t fit, please inform Madge of your return request within 10 days of receiving the merchandise. You must return the items within 30 days after notifying us.

You can find our complete Return Policy here. If you have further questions after reading, please call or text (404) 850-1757.

ABOUT CLAUDE SAINT CYR

Who was Claude Saint Cyr?

Claude Saint Cyr is considered one of the most important milliners of the 20th century. Known for her innovative materials and designs, her label was worn by the most fashionable women of the day.

Born Simone Naudet in 1911 in Paris, she began her millinery training at the age of 18 and worked with notable Paris designers, including Jean Patou, Marie-Louise Carven, and Rose Descat. Saint Cyr later trained in London, where she changed her professional name to Claude Saint-Cyr.

She established her millinery salon in 1937 in Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honor̩, Paris, later opening another shop in London in 1950. In collaboration with British designer Norman Hartnell, her designs were favorites of the British royal family in the 1950s and 1960s. In addition, she made hats for Queen Elizabeth for her 1953 coronation and the 1960 wedding veil of Princess Margaret.

Saint-Cyr closed her salon in 1964 but began working with French milliner Jean Barthet, a supplier of hats to celebrities such as Princess Grace of Monaco and Maria Callas. Eventually, Saint Cyr retired in 1972 but continued to act as a consultant to bridal design houses until the mid-1990s. Claude Saint Cyr died in 2002.

Read our blog post on this unique milliner.

Here’s a video on the making of French Aubusson tapestry courtesy of (c)Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine. You can view their entire playlist here.