Hat Block of the Week Vintage Breton

Some crown blocks create their impact through height - others through texture and depth.  This deep ridged crown does exactly that, with four strong ridges running from front to back that give the form a bold, sculptural presence.  It's a shape that immediately draws the eye and holds it.

The maker of this block is unknown, though the name Noama is etched into the base - a small, human trace of its history before it became part of my collection.  It can be used as a standalone crown or paired with a brim, and works beautifully in both straw and felt. Straw highlights the crisp definition of the ridges, while felt softens the lines slightly and adds a wonderful sense of depth.

This block is part of The Millinery Retreat Block Library - a working collection built to be explored, studied and used.