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Museum object · Clothing - Fashion and Historical

Black feathered fascinator from Mae's Millinery Shop

1941-1994

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

COLLECTION RECORDImage not availableExplore the catalog description and source record.
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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.

Black fascinator with ostrich feathers designed by Mae Reeves. The fascinator has a form with rigid metal edges filled with black plastic mesh. The top exterior of the form is faced with black velvet. Small black feathers are attached on the exterior of the form. Very large black ostrich feathers are attached to a Styrofoam ball by the quills, with the ball glued to the velvet on the form at the center back so that the feathers drape forward and to the sides, but not to the back. A black net veil is attached to the form and covers the smaller feathers, extending half-way down the wearer's face. An ivory fabric designer label with black printed text is adhered to the center back interior of the form that reads: "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA".

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2013.213.11.1

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