Lilly Daché (1907-1989) got her start in the millinery business by working in a small shop in New York City. She and a friend bought the shop from their boss in 1924. She later recalled the first hat she made as the proprietress of her own shop; it was made from scraps of velvet that were lying around.
By the 1930s she was also producing handbags and other accessories. Her business had grown to the point that she needed two buildings in which to house her operation. Besides designing for the public, Daché worked with Hollywood designer Travis Banton, producing hats to complement his dresses and suits for the movies.
By the 1950s she had introduced a line of costume jewelry. In 1958 Daché hired Halston as a hat designer. Lilly Daché retired in 1968. Her last customer was actress Loretta Young, who bought 30 hats – the last hats in the shop.
After retiring, Daché licensed her name and it can be found on various types of garments.
Written by fuzzylizzie
from a mid 1930s feathered hat
Courtesy of ruedelapaix
from a late 1930s hat
Courtesy of morning-glorious
from a 1940s hat – note velvet heart attached
Courtesy of Julia Karlson-Waid
from a 1950s hostess gown
Courtesy of cottageindustry
from a pair of 1950s gloves
Courtesy of vintagegent.com
from a late 1950s/early 1960s fur jacket
Courtesy of cottageindustry
from a late-1950s/early-1960s scarf
Courtesy of Rue de la Paix
from a late 1950s/early 1960s hat
Courtesy of shopping-goddess
from a 1960s hat
Courtesy of gilo49
from a 1960s turban
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
from a 1960s hat
Courtesy of MetroRetroVintage
from a 1960s necktie
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
from a 1960s hat
Courtesy of Rue de la Paix
from a 1970s man’s shirt
Courtesy of hatfeathers.com
from a 1970s necktie
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
from a 1970s licensed sweater
Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com
from a 1970s dress
Courtesy of mcgrawandmcqueen
