Gladys & Belle New York Pillbox Hat vintage Montaldo’s

This sweet, meticulously handmade pillbox hat was made by Gladys & Belle, 20 West 57th Street, New York for Montaldo's. It's very "furry-like" constructed with plush felt material underneath with colors of brown, ivory, and black with grosgrain ribbon lining at the inner rim. The hand stitching and workmanship throughout is stunningly beautiful. It's a piece of art. ca. 1950's INTERESTING NOTES: Metropolitan Museum of Art has a 1941 hat by Gladys & Belle in their permanent collection that was gifted to the MET by Mr. Nelson Rockefeller. Montaldo’s, a lady’s specialty shop, was started in 1919 by two sisters, Lillian and Nelle Montaldo. It was a pioneer in the field of ladies’ ready-to-wear and was known for its high quality and personal service. The Montaldo’s fur business was started and managed by Kriegsman Furs. Kriegsman was the first and last furrier at Montaldo’s. Kriegsman acquired the rights to the Montaldo’s brand in 1995, after the Montaldo’s stores closed. The Haute Couture designer Balenciaga is credited with introducing the pillbox in the 1950s. Jacqueline Kennedy was known for wearing the pillbox style. The name comes from the shape of a prescription pillbox at that time. The 1960s pillbox hats were a bit larger than the earlier ones. Circumference: approximately 21 inches Excellent vintage condition with no holes, tears, or odors.