From the Closet of: Roya Shanks

Label: G. Howard Hodge 

Era: 1940s/50s

About the Item:

A hat with both pedigree and provenance. Designed by celebrated American milliner G. Howard Hodge, this sweeping picture hat combines finely woven straw with clouds of soft ivory tulle, creating a silhouette that feels equal parts garden party and silver-screen glamour. Hodge was among the most respected milliners of the mid-century era, operating from Fifth Avenue and supplying luxury department stores with exquisitely crafted hats known for their sculptural forms and impeccable materials.

What makes this example especially special is its history. Roya discovered it in the attic of her grandmother Anna Mary Shanks's family farm in Ada, Ohio, where it had belonged to her great-aunt—known in the family as "Auntie Boone"—who, as Roya puts it, "married a man with money." The hat was one of several treasures tucked away in the attic, quietly preserved for decades before finding its way into Roya's collection.

About the Label:

Born in California and later based on Fifth Avenue in New York, G. Howard Hodge was among America's most respected mid-century milliners. His hats were sold through luxury retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue and were celebrated for their elegant proportions, fine materials, and sophisticated embellishments. A leader within the influential Millinery Creators Guild, Hodge helped define the polished glamour of postwar American fashion. Today, Hodge's hats remain highly sought after by collectors and can be found in museum collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Fabric:

Straw and tulle

Condition:

Item is in excellent vintage condition.