Grace Kelly's Matron of Honor's Hat

Currently not on view

Grace Kelly's Matron of Honor's Hat

1956

Designed by Joseph Hong (American, 1930–2004) Commissioned through Neiman-Marcus, Dallas (founded 1907) Made by Don Marshall (American, 1919–1995) Worn by Margaret Kelly Davis

This hat was worn by Margaret Davis, older sister and Matron of Honor to Grace Kelly, at the wedding of Ms. Kelly to Prince Ranier of Monaco. While Joseph Hong's sketch shows a single design for the matron of honor's and bridesmaids' hats as well as their dresses, the hat made for the bride's sister was slightly different to mark her position as matron of honor. The hat is the same shallow-crowned shape and bears the same "Neiman-Marcus Salon" label as the horsehair hats of the bridesmaids, but has a slightly wider brim and is constructed of organza. Beautifully made by New York milliner Don Marshall, the hat's layered brim and underbrim are formed of concentric bias-cut organza circles. The three circles of the underbrim are stiffened internally with millinery wire, while the last of the five narrower circles of the brim extends over the underbrim to give a very soft effect.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Titles:

Grace Kelly's Matron of Honor's Hat
Worn at Grace Kelly's Wedding, April 19, 1956

Date:

1956

Artists:

Designed by Joseph Hong (American, 1930–2004) Commissioned through Neiman-Marcus, Dallas (founded 1907) Made by Don Marshall (American, 1919–1995) Worn by Margaret Kelly Davis

Medium:

Yellow silk organza

Dimensions:

Width: 16 inches (40.6 cm) Depth: 14 3/4 inches (37.5 cm) Circumference (Hat band): 20 1/2 inches (52.1 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of Mrs. John B. Kelly, 1963

Accession Number:

1963-52-1b

Geography:

Made in New York, New York, United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view