Otto Lucas (1903–1971) was a German-born, London-based milliner. Running a hugely successful hatmaking studio in London between the 1930s and the 1970s, his business supplied both major stores throughout Europe, the US and Australia and hats for private clients such as Greta Garbo and Wallis Simpson.
Hats designed by Otto Lucas in the 1950s
Lucas was responsible for training many future milliners – notably leading hatmakers to the Queen, Frederick Fox and Philip Somerville, both of whom completed apprenticeships at his studio. His hats can be found in, among others, the archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.
His career was cut short when he was killed in a plane crash over Belgium in October 1971. These glamorous photos that captured portraits of classic beauties wearing hats designed by Otto Lucas in the 1950s.
Anne Gunning in loose leopard-skin coat from Brenner Furs, felt hat by Otto Lucas, photo by Richard Dormer, Harper’s Bazaar UK, October 1950
Model is wearing a black velvet hat with a brim of black fox fur by Otto Lucas, photo by John French, Harper’s Bazaar UK, October 1950
Myrtle Crawford in navy wool bolero and skirt by Spectator, with it a blood-orange felt cloche swaddled in chiffon by Otto Lucas, photo by Maurice Tabard, Harper’s Bazaar UK, February 1950
Myrtle Crawford is wearing a spectacular coal-black velvet tricorne by Otto Lucas, photo by Henry Clarke, Harper’s Bazaar UK, November 1950
Anne Gunning in box jacket of reversible wool in white on one side and yellow the other over black wool dress with diagonal draped V-neck by Frederick Starke, white straw hat by Otto Lucas, Harper’s Bazaar UK, February 1951
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