Vintage Straw Hats

Straw hats have been worn consistently in Europe and Asia in the Summer since antiquity.

"The Panama is one of the most recognizable straws, evoking the season of summer, lounging on the beach, the linen suit, and men in Hawaiian shirts."

"Arguably the man who popularized the panama for Americans was President Teddy Roosevelt, who wore one when he visited the construction site of the Panama Canal.  Other famous wearers of the Panama include Napoleon III (who had a custom wide brimmed version), Fred Astaire, Paul Henreid (best known to most people as the Victor Lazlo in Cassablanca), and of course, Sir Sean Connery."

I did a post on La Dolfina about how straw hats make for a sweet summer display in your home, beach cottage or lake house.

While I was in Lake Tahoe last week I managed to source several vintage specimens that would make for a fabulous display.

I picked this wonderful pair up at an estate sale the day before I left for Tahoe.  They date from the 50's and came out of the home of long time antique dealers.  They are huge and gorgeous!

I found this antique straw "boater" which was made for a doll.

I was told it was from the 20's.  
The inside is amazing and reads:

CHAPEAU
MAURICE CHEVALIER

SOOLS
MAITRE CHAPELIER
9. Boulevard Poissonniere
PARIS
LONDON            NEW  YORK

SOUVENIR   PERROQUET

  
In and around Lake Tahoe and Reno I found 4 cool straw hats and a lovely vintage straw bag.

   

SHOP LA DOLFINA

Prices vary

Email me to purchase

I am swamped this week as my poor Mom broke her nose walking into a glass door at Nordstrom while I was in Tahoe! She's only safe when she's treasure hunting with me!  I'm taking her to get it fixed this morning.  Thanks for your patience with me.  I've been furiously working on my Prop House since I've been back and have made tremendous progress.  Lots of treasures are on their way, I promise! 

* Images via Google and La Dolfina.   Quoted text from here