Lilly Daché

Lilly Daché (October 10, 1898 – December 31, 1989) was a milliner and fashion designer.

Related Topics:
October 10 - 1898 - December 31 - 1989

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She was born in Bègles, Gironde, France, and began her fashion career there as a milliner, apprenticed under Caroline Reboux and Suzanne Talbot. She emigrated to the United States in 1924, settling in New York City. On March 13, 1931, Daché married French-born Jean Despres. Their mutual love and successful supportive professional lives and collaboration endeared them to those around them.

Related Topics:
Bègles - Gironde - France - United States - New York City - Jean Despres

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Daché is reported to have said, "Glamour is what makes a man ask for your telephone number. But it also is what makes a woman ask for the name of your dressmaker." She was the most famous milliner in the United States during her time.

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Her major contributions to milinery were draped turbans, brimmed hats molded to the head, half hats, visored caps for war workers, colored snoods, and romantic massed-flower shapes. By 1949, she was designing dresses to go with her hats, as well as lingerie, loungewear, gloves, hosiery, and a wired strapless bra. Both the designer Halston and the hair stylist Kenneth worked for her before going into business for themselves.

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Daché's books include Lilly Daché's Glamour Book (published in 1956) and her autobiography, Talking through My Hats (published in 1946).

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Lilly retired in 1968, and her New York millinery business was taken over by her daughter Suzanne Daché.

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She died in Louveciennes, France.

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