Description
This fabulous turban-style 1960s pillbox hat in vibrant shades of orange, yellow, green and white silk chiffon is labeled Luci Puci, from Chicago milliner Lucylle Smith Gilbert’s label of that name. From Gilbert’s 1994 obituary in the Chicago Tribune: “Lucylle Smith Gilbert, 86, designed hats for First Ladies Mamie Eisenhower and Pat Nixon…The Chicago native grew up in the Logan Square neighborhood. She started as a $3-a-week apprentice for a small hat factory before going on to work, at age 20, for Chicago-based Lemington Inc. She designed under several labels, the most famous of which was Luci Puci, Gilbert’s nickname.” The hat has a round crown with a flat top, covered in lemon yellow chiffon and draped in crisscrossing pleated bands of the other colors. The crown is higher in front than in back, giving it a subtle, turban-like silhouette, most noticeable when seen from the sides. The hat is fully lined with sunny yellow rayon faille fabric. The inner grosgrain band has a tiny touch of make-up soiling at the center front, which I was unable to remove completely. The hat is in very good, near excellent condition, with no other issues. This cheerful and colorful 1960s pillbox hat is designed to sit up high on the back of the head as shown. All of the Luci Puci vintage hats that I have sold over the years have been well made and as cute as can be. This one is no exception!
- Crown height: 3 inches tall in front and 2.25 inches in back.
- Crown diameter: 7 inches measured at head opening.
- Inner circumference: 20.75 inches around inner band.
- Label: Luci Puci
