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Harlem’s Heaven Hats, designed by Evetta Petty, were on display in Macy’s 34th Street window in New York City, for Black History Month 2025. There are six windows that pay homage to Black women who made a great impact in the world of fashion. The illustrious list includes Eunice Johnson, Zelda Wynn Valdes, Ophelia Devore, Ann Lowe, Lois K. Alexander-Lane, and Mildred Blount.
These trailblazing women have left a powerful legacy and have laid the foundation for a myriad of new fashion designers.
Harlem’s Heaven Hats were featured in the Mildred Blount Window.
Mildred Blount was a milliner/hatmaker who was known for her beautiful hats, which were featured in films like “Gone With The Wind” in 1939. She also designed hats for the movie “Easter Parade.” and did not receive credit.Harlem’s Heaven Hats, designed by Evetta Petty, honored the legacy of Mildred Blount in this presentation, “The Prerogative Project,” curated by Quanasia Graham, from February 7 to 26, 2025.
Harlem’s premiere Milliner, Evetta Petty, of Harlem’s Heaven Hats, recently became the first Black milliner in history to join the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective in England in 2024. Only 12 hatmakers worldwide were chosen, and Petty was one of the 12 and the only American representative. She spent a week in London and went to the Royal Ascot races for three days. She was hosted in the Royal Enclosure in Grand style. For a milliner, this is equivalent to winning an Oscar. Her hat is now in their permanent collection, joining notable milliners Stephen Jones, Philip Treacy, and Awon Golding.
Her featured hat is entitled “The Blue Note,” which pays homage to Harlem style.
Evetta has a passion for unconventional materials and upcycling. Her inspirations are the Roaring 20s, flapper girls, and the elegance of the Harlem Renaissance. Evetta likens a great hat to good music, emphasizing the special relationship between the Harlem community, Hats, and Jazz. Her gramophone-inspired fascinator hat, “The Blue Note,” was worn by Ascot trustee Lady Celena Carter when she greeted King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla on the opening day of the Royal Ascot Races.
Evetta’s invitation to join the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective is monumental and groundbreaking in the high fashion category of Millinery.
Harlem’s Heaven Hats is located at 2538 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.(at W. 147 St.) Visit the website at www.harlemsheaven.com or Instagram @ harlemsheavenhats.
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