Hat by Mr. John, 1960s. orange straw trimmed with silk flowers. Worn by Rose Louise Hovick, who performed under the name Gypsy Rose Lee.

Orange straw hat with multi-coloured silk flower decorations around brim

Gift of Madeleine Ginsburg and Titi Halle

Mr John was an important American milliner working during the 20th century. Born Hans Harberger in Munich in 1902, he studied medicine at the University of Lucerne and then spent time submitting designs to Parisian fashion houses before sailing to New York in 1926. He set up a millinery store with partner Frederick Hirst and changed his name to John Fredericks. In 1948 he branched out on his own, again changing his name, this time to John P.John with his business titled Mr John. He was known for his flamboyant miliinery and catered to a diverse clientele from society ladies such as the Duchess of Windsor to many clients who worked in the entertainment industry as well as creating hats for film. Olivia De Haviland recalled of his work, 'Never mind the film hats...the ones for current wear were just the best - and that's all there is to it'.
(See link to obituary in references).

Designed by Mr John

This hat was deisgned by the flamboyant New York milliner Mr John for his client Rose Louise Hovick, who was better known as the American burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee.

Mr John ( born John P Harberger) first set up in millinery with his partner Frederick Hirst under the label John Frederics in 1929. Their hats found great popularity on Broadway and in Hollywood. In 1948 Mr John established his own millinery salon on 57th street New York. He continued to create dramatic and fantastic hats until his retirement in 1970.

This hat came from the 1977 sale of the personal effects of Lee, who was a great client of Mr John.

T.118-2011