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Fun and Funds Raised at Hats Off
By Bobbie Bagel
November/December 2018
 Top left to right Deirdre Lee, Jennifer MacDonald, Susan Whaley, Cat Frasier, Jennifer MacDonald
Bottom left to right Susan Whaley, Cat Frasier, Debra Edmund, anonymous guests in Edwardian attire, Eva Miller. All photos by Paul Johnson |
It was a charming sight to see, under the old California live oak, on the front lawn of the Marston House. Guests were wearing their best hats, some were dressed in Edwardian finery. They were sipping mimosas accompanied with plentiful cheese and fruit platters, and desserts. Fifty people were there to view a fashion show, right on historic Seventh Avenue.
Organized as a preview to promote the Marston Legacy exhibition, which opened October 25, this unique event featured a selection of vintage hats, all with the exclusive Marston Company label. Diana Cavagnaro, a talented designer and local columnist, narrated the program. A renown milliner for 28 years, Diana brought savvy experience and expertise to her descriptions of each hat in the show.
Sixteen selections were presented, featuring styles from the 1920s through the late 1950s. There was a sweet brown and pink velvet cloche hat with perky feathers and pearl beads from the 1930s. One of the favorites was a 1940s purple straw number with abundant fabric flowers cascading around a wide brim. And an elegant mink pillbox hat, reminiscent of those worn by Jackie Kennedy, brought back memories of past trendsetting styles.
The models, looking chic in their all black outfits, were volunteer docents from the Marston House. They sauntered across the lawn to the musical strains of the Count Basie orchestra.
One of the hits of the show was Cat Frazier, as she modeled her own classic Marston label shirtwaist dress. It was a 1950s midnight blue taffeta with a peter pan style collar, ruffled cuffs, and a flared skirt. She looked terrific.
At the end of the presentation, all the models came out together to take a bow. But the program was far from over. It continued with a trunk show curated by Lea Goldman, saleswoman extraordinaire. Lea has 50 years experience in the hat and accessory business.
She gave the audience helpful tips on how to wear the contemporary hats that were for sale. And she also gave demonstrations on trendy ways to tie the beautiful scarves that she brought. Almost $1000 worth of merchandise was sold, with proceeds going to support SOHO restoration projects at the site.
Everyone went home with smiles on their faces, and a lovely memory of spending a late Sunday morning enjoying the charming hospitality of the Marston House.
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