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Tag Archives: vintage hats
February 15, 2012 — A Fashion Interlude
Recently I had the good fortune of meeting one of Ling-Ai’s nieces who had saved many of Ling-Ai’s papers and possessions. I am currently poring through documents and pieces of paper, looking for clues that tell more about the making of KUKAN. It can be a tedious job. So I took an afternoon off to explore some of Ling-Ai’s fashion accessories that had been painstakingly packed away. Ling-Ai had an obvious flair for fashion. And the vintage clothes lover in me went gaga as I opened this eye-catching tres MOD turquoise hat box.
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-054 Photo of Li Ling-Ai's Hat Box.](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-054.jpg)
Li Ling-Ai’s Mod Turquoise Hat Box could be a fashion accessory in itself
The contents of the box did not disappoint. I discovered three exquisitely crafted little numbers. A pink brocade small saucer hat with a stunning plume was my favorite.
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-071 Photo of Li Ling-Ai's Nick Savage pink brocade hat.](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-071.jpg)
Plumed pink brocade hat by Nick Savage
I had a lot of fun imagining the type of occasion Ling-Ai chose to wear this hat to.
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-063 Photo of pink brocade hat.](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-063.jpg)
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-059 Photo of Nick Savage pink brocade plumed hat owned by Li Ling-Ai](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-059.jpg)
While photographing this hat, I noticed the amazing craftsmanship that went into it’s construction.
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-066 Photo of detail from pink brocade hat by Nick Savage](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-066.jpg)
Detail of pink brocade hat.
A signed label was sewn into the inside lining of the hat. Nick Savage appears to be the talented milliner who made it.
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-079 Photo of inside of pink brocade hat](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-079.jpg)
These next two pieces were also made by Nick. And are equally exquisite.
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-102 Photo of gold ponytail hat by Nick Savage.](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-102.jpg)
Gold ponytail hat by Nick Savage.Gold-banded camellia hat by Nick Savage
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-087 Photo of gold-banded camellia hat by Nick Savage](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-0871.jpg)
Gold-banded camellia hat by Nick Savage
The little details are marvelous. Check out the separate braided strands that start this gold pony-tail plume.
And the perfect positioning of the brocaded fabric.
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-103 Gold ponytail saucer hat by Nick Savage.](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-103.jpg)
The camellia on this inventive piece was a little a squished, but I imagine it was pretty sumptious when Ling-Ai wore it back in the day.
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-088 Photo of gold-banded camellia hat by Nick Savage](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-088.jpg)
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-081 Gold-banded camellia hat by Nick Savage](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-081.jpg)
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-085](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-085.jpg)
I couldn’t find any information on the internet about the talented Nick Savage. But I did find a little label in the inside of this camellia hat.
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-082](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-082.jpg)
It had a New York City address — 350 East 50th Street — from Google Maps it looks to be a building just off Lexington Ave. If any fashionistas have any more information on him, please let me know. I have Mr. Savage’s millinery gifts, Li Ling-Ai’s fashion sense and her niece’s foresight to thank for a wonderful afternoon spent in a world of gamorous fantasy.
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-130 Black velvet rhinestone and pearl studded hat from Li Ling-Ai's collection.](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-130.jpg)
Black velvet rhinestone and pearl studded hat from Li Ling-Ai’s collection.
To top off my post I’ll leave with a few shots of another gorgeous topper in Ling-Ai’s collection (by an unknown maker).
![LLA_ShoesHatsFans-128 Detail of Velvet Hat](http://www.nestedeggproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LLA_ShoesHatsFans-1281.jpg)