help dating a "Chantrelle by Biltmore, made in Canada 1980s (?) does 1920s (?) hat

[laurenm]

Hi Everyone,
This hat strikes me as 1980s because of the 'veloury' feel of the felt and the ribbon....wondering if the hat gives any clues to a more specific dating? I can't seem to find any info on Chantrelle by Biltmore...
Thanks in advance,
Lauren

 

[Jonathan]

It looks early 90s to me - Biltmore was located in Guelph but they just went out of business last year. I blogged about them a couple of months ago: http://kickshawproductions.com/blog/?p=6069
My guess is that Chantrelle is a woman's line created at Biltmore - they were generally men's hatters, not women's milliners.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Hi,

Thanks for that blog Jonathan, as I did not know that Biltmore went out of business last year. I should be reading your blog more than I do.

Lauren, I agree with Jonathan on the early 90s dating. There were quite a few hat companies putting out a line of hats with a sort of "antique" Edwardian flair to them at that time. I see your hat as more Edwardian or "Teens in style than 1920's, although it does have a bit of an early 1920's look to it also.

Very pretty!

 

[Pinkcoke]

Just to back this up, I remember the Banks daughters wearing these hats all the time in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (1990-96) I tried to find a photo of the girls, but found Will Smith instead!

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Oh how long ago that was...and he was SO cute..well he still is!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Will Smith has not changed one bit - fountain of youth anyone?

 

[laurenm]

Too funny. I should put that photo with my listing. Thanks everyone.

 

[Pinkcoke]

Oh how long ago that was...and he was SO cute..well he still is!

Will Smith has not changed one bit - fountain of youth anyone?

I know! and his son is following in his footsteps now.