Another Lesson In Black History…Who Was The First African American Milliner To Design Hats For Hollywood Films?
HERstory
Mildred Blount’s interest in designing hats came about when she worked as an errand girl in a New York City hat shop. Her love of millinery [hat designer] led her and her sister Clara to open a dress and hat shop. During the World Fair in 1939, a collection of hats she designed was exhibited, giving her the opportunity to design hats for the movie “Gone with the Wind”.
Mildred was the first black Milliner to design hats for Hollywood films, such as Gone With The Wind and the Easter Parade, in which she rarely received credit for. Her clientele included Joan Crawford, Louise Beavers, Marian Anderson, Gloria Vanderbilt and other Hollywood stars. In 1942 one of her hats was featured on the cover of Ladies Home Journal.
Hats Designed by Milliner, Mildred E. Blount
Bridesmaids Hats Designed by Mildred Blount
Mildred Blount continued working until her death in 1974. Her hats can be found in the collections of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the California African American Museum.
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Kemkem
I’m really glad to discover all these awesome designers. Another great post. Thanks for sharing. Her hats look great :-).
Miss Jamila
KemkemThank you, and thanks for stopping by.
MsKibibi
Love this! I wish we would wear hats all the time. I swear I would be rocking hat and gloves all day everyday.
Miss Jamila
MsKibibiMe too, I love the fashion from that era.
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy
Another awesome moment from history. It’s has been fun getting to know the past and what contributions they had then and now.
Allison Jones
I’ve learned so much through your weekly posts! Thank you so much for sharing these.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Miss Jamila
Allison JonesGlad you enjoyed them, thank you for taking the time to read them.
Stacie
I love how you’ve been feature these artists and designers. Very eye opening!
Miss Jamila
StacieThank you : )
Kim
I learned something new. I didn’t know that at all.
Ty
Great Black History fact. I have never heard of her but such an amazing woman.
Jonna
Love everything new I learn during BHM. So many cool things that we’ve done and created.
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green
I love these, it makes me feel good to know I’ve learned about someone I hadn’t heard of. We only hear and learn about the “popular” black folks. during black history month. Thanks for the knowledge.
Valerie robinson
This is amazing! Loving your black history series! I always learn something new.
LaShawn
Love this! I learned something new today on the last day of Black History Month!
Kasi
Oooh I love this! I always love learning more black history facts, especially when fashion is involved! I hate that she rarely received credit for her work, but I’m glad it’s on display in museums today. Thanks for sharing!
12 African-American Fashion Designers: The Pioneers - MANIC METALLIC
[…] known as the milliner to Hollywood’s elite. She worked until her death in 1974. Her work is currently kept at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the California African American […]