Vintage 1950s Leslie James Black French Velour Felt Hat Rhinestone Buckle Sculptural Brim Crescent Spokane Millinery

Vintage 1950s Leslie James Black Felt Hat – French Velour Rhinestone Buckle Sculptural Brim

Description

A sophisticated vintage circa 1950s black felt hat by Leslie James, beautifully constructed from imported French velour and originally retailed by The Crescent of Spokane.

The hat features a softly rounded, low-profile crown surrounded by a dramatic sculptural brim. The brim curves upward around the sides and front, creating an elegant face-framing silhouette characteristic of refined mid-century millinery.

A wide strip of rich black velvet sweeps across the crown and extends dramatically over the brim. Its end is finished with a sparkling rhinestone buckle ornament, providing a glamorous focal point against the otherwise monochromatic black design. Small flashes of red or pink visible among the stones add an unexpected touch of color.

The combination of velour felt and velvet creates beautiful tonal variation despite the all-black palette. Changes in texture and light reveal the sculptural folds and overlapping construction, giving the hat considerable visual depth.

The interior retains multiple original markings, including the Leslie James trademark label, The Crescent Spokane retailer label, and a gold stamp identifying the material as imported velour body made in France.

An elegant and beautifully labeled example of 1950s American millinery incorporating a fine imported French hat body and sophisticated rhinestone detailing.

Features
•Authentic vintage circa 1950s
•Leslie James designer label
•Originally retailed by The Crescent Spokane
•Imported French velour hat body
•Made in France material stamp
•Classic black color
•Softly rounded crown
•Sculptural upturned brim
•Elegant face-framing silhouette
•Wide black velvet accent
•Dramatic overlapping ribbon-style detail
•Decorative rhinestone buckle
•Subtle colored rhinestone accents
•Rich combination of velour felt and velvet textures
•Black grosgrain interior band
•Original interior labels and markings
•Beautiful example of mid-century formal millinery

Perfect For
•Vintage hat collectors
•1950s fashion
•Designer millinery collectors
•Old Hollywood styling
•Cocktail attire
•Evening wear
•Formal occasions
•Church and occasion wear
•Vintage weddings
•Little black dress styling
•Theater and period wardrobes
•Photo shoots
•Fashion editorials
•Historic fashion collections

Condition

Very good vintage condition with age-related wear consistent with its age. The velour felt retains its rich black color and sculptural shape. Minor surface lint and light signs of wear are visible upon close inspection. The velvet trim and rhinestone buckle remain present and display beautifully. Interior grosgrain shows expected vintage wear. Original Leslie James, The Crescent Spokane and imported French velour markings remain present. Please review all photographs carefully as they are considered part of the condition description.

Tags

1950s vintage hat, Leslie James hat, black vintage hat, French velour hat, black felt hat, rhinestone hat, 50s womens hat, vintage millinery, sculptural hat, Crescent Spokane, designer hat, cocktail hat, formal vintage hat

Hashtags

#gingerandtonicvintage #vintagehatshop #vintagehat #1950shat #1950sfashion #lesliejames #blackhat #velourhat #felthat #rhinestonehat #vintagemillinery #midcenturyfashion #oldhollywoodstyle #designerhat #collectorhat

AI Summary

Elegant vintage circa 1950s Leslie James black hat crafted from an imported French velour body and originally retailed by The Crescent of Spokane. Featuring a softly rounded crown, sculptural upturned face-framing brim and dramatic black velvet accent finished with a sparkling rhinestone buckle, the hat combines luxurious materials with sophisticated mid-century construction. Original designer, retailer and French velour markings remain inside.