Daché, Lilly

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