CROWNS
Bené Millinery Custom-Made Hats
Many of the hats you see on this site are custom-made; they have been designed specifically for a client and sold. If you see a style you like, it's possible for a similar hat to be made! Please note each custom-made hat will have its own unique personality as these hats cannot be replicated identically.
Vanilla Beane is the creative director behind the creations you see at Bené Millinery. Self-taught, she started making hats as a hobby in the 1950s, and continued after she retired from the government where she worked as an elevator operator in a downtown DC building.
In 1979, she founded Bené Millinery, and in 1980 she moved her operation from her home to the Manor Park location where - at 100-years-old - she still makes hats today! Few others have labels under Bené. These include
While Bené Millinery does sell some hats that are purchased from reputable factories, Vanilla Beane still designs custom-made works of art at her hat shop. There is no technology to keep up with, folks! Washington's famed milliner uses her hands, and a needle and thread, to craft each crown. In fact, when operating the elevator, Beane would make hats in her spare time, when not taking passengers to their destination.
Each custom-made* hat has its own unique personality, and it’s almost impossible to duplicate a design completely.
THE QUEEN BEE*
SOLD
Yellow Satin Ribbon, Beads, Rhinestones, with a custom-made hat pin
by Charles' Creations for Bené Millinery
THE POLISHED CORNER*
SOLD
Purple Satin Ribbon, Gold Braid, Rhinestone Band
by Charles' Creations for Bené Millinery
THE ETHEL*
$250
Peacock Blue Shantung, Draped 5" Pillbox
Custom-Made Hat Pin by Charles' Creations for Bené Millinery
THE CHARLEY
$75
Satin Headband, Feathers, Horsehair Bow
THE DOROTHY*
SOLD
Black Straw Frame, Purple Lace Netting, Purple Horsehair, Beaded Brooch
THE MICHAEL
$35
Men's Fedora
THE LORRAINE*
$200
Gold Metallic Straw, Gold Sequin Braid Trim, Optional Floral Accent
THE RUBY*
$300
Hackle Feather, Felt Bubble, Faux Jeweled Brooch
THE CYNTHIA*
$150
Black Straw Frame, Black & Silver Horsehair Braid
THE NANCY
SOLD
Turquoise Satin Ribbon
THE BELLA*
$300
Black Italian Straw, Sequin, Rhinestone Band, Bead Band, Horsehair Bow, Floral Accent
Hand Blocked
THE CORAL
$100
100% Polyester
THE SUNNY
$100
Yellow
THE SUSAN
$150
Cream & Black Polyester
NMAAHC 3-D
DIGITAL
Digital copy of a green turban, favorite of Vanilla Beane.
THE JENI*
SOLD
White Satin Ribbon, Periwinkle Hydrangeas
by Darnelle for Bené Millinery
THE JOY
SOLD
Fuschia Fascinator
THE LINDA*
SOLD
Coral Satin Ribbon, Rhinestone Trim
THE BETTY
SOLD
Gold Women's Top Hat, Netting, Satin Bow, Rhinestones
THE CAROL*
SOLD
Black Velour Bubble, Grey Satin Ribbon Trim, Feathers, Large Multi-Stone Brooch
***Please note, this particular model cannot be duplicated***
THE MARGARET*
SOLD
Pink Satin Ribbon, Hackle Feathers
THE CRYSTAL*
SOLD
Silver Satin Ribbon, Rhinestones
THE GEORGIA
SOLD
Faux Leather
THE JUDGE*
SOLD
Black & White Silk Polka Dots, Floral Accent
***Please note, this particular model cannot be duplicated***
THE GO-GO*
SOLD
Champagne Satin, Lace Appliqué, Birdcage Netting
THE PEACOCK*
SOLD
Pistachio Shantung Pillbox, Satin Ribbon Loop, Rhinestones, Handmade Rosettes
Custom-Made Pearl Hat Pin by Charles' Creations for Bené Millinery
***Please note, this particular model cannot be duplicated***
THE LOUISE*
SOLD
Black & Gold Brocade, Floral Accent
***Please note, this particular model cannot be duplicated***
THE WINIFRED*
SOLD
Yellow & Orange Satin Ribbon, Metallic Braid, Rhinestones
Custom-Made Hat Pin by Twlya & Linda for Bené Millinery
THE PAM*
SOLD
Purple Taffeta & Polyester