Surrealistic Bes-Ben Bee Hive Hat. 1950's.

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About the Item

Incredibly rare early 1950's beehive hat designed by Benjamin B. Green-Field for his legendary company Bes-Ben of Chicago. Known as Chicago's "Mad Hatter", Green-Field designed some of the wittiest, wildest, most surreal hats known to millinery. His creations were worn by celebrities from the golden age of Hollywood like Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Hedda Hopper...the list goes on. These Bes-Ben creations are displayed in the costume departments of many museums, worldwide. Here the hat is comprised of a light brown layered suede hive with chenille and feathered bees pinned at various strategic angles onto to it by what look like miniature kilt pins. Beware, these pins are sharp so handle with care! This is not meant to be worn right down on the head like a traditional hat as it is only 16 inches in circumference. Instead it comes with two inner combs so it can be fastened, with the help of additional pins, to the side or as a topper, to an elaborate hairstyle. It comes with a fragment of netting displaying a number of smaller bees. This net fragment can be used as a veil for the eyes, or can be arranged on the hat to create the impression that bees are swarming the hive. This is truly a one of a kind hat! Size: Inner circumference: 16 inches. Height: 4" to 4.5 inches at it's tallest. Width: 6 inches Veil fragment: 15 inches by 8 inches stretched. Condition overall: is good with the following flaws: Veil; unfinished. There are tiny spots in the suede hat, on one side. Some of the bees have lost a little detail on their feathers. Generally a bit dusty. All these can be seen in the photos. But flaws aside...surreal, narrative hats like this come along only very rarely on the vintage market. They were often one-offs. And this is one of the best!

Designer:
Benjamin B. Green-Field
Brand:
Bes-Ben of Chicago
Dimensions:
Height: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1950-1959
Condition:
Seller Location:
University City, MO
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU736991092

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