Bowler hat for Ain't Misbehavin' costume worn by André De Shields

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Bowler hat from Ain't Misbehavin' costume ensemble for Act I worn by André De Shields during the 1982 NBC TV special. The bowler hat is made from dark navy blue felt and a shiny fabric border on the upturned edges of the hat. The hatband surrounds the head of that hat and folds over itself to make a flat bow on the proper right. The hatband fabric is mostly blue with a central line of white, light blue, yellow and light blue. The inside of the hat is lined with a shiny fabric material and has an edging of leather and felt to keep the hat in place. The top crown inside the hat is lined with clear plastic over the manufacture's label that reads, [PRO REGE ET GREGE / JAY LORD / REG. / HATTER / NEW YORK]. The label also includes an illustration of a top hat and walking stick.

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