Erik Braagaard (1912–2004) was a prominent Danish milliner and hat designer known for dressing some of the world’s most affluent women. He began his career in Paris before eventually emigrating and establishing a successful hat salon in New York City around 1940.
Braagaard became highly regarded in the fashionable district around Fifth Avenue, opening salons on West 57th Street and later East 53rd Street. His unique, high-fashion creations were often featured in the society and style pages of the time. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds several of his hats, highlighting his place in fashion history. His clientele included numerous members of high society and royal families, showcasing his transition from a Danish designer to a sought-after name in the exclusive world of American couture.
Braagaard continued his work, sometimes collaborating with designers like Adolfo Sardinia, until his death in New York in 2004. These vintage photos capture portraits of classic beauties wearing hats designed by Erik Braagaard.
Model wearing a charming bonnet of pink felt swathed in pink chiffon by Erik, photo by Frances McLaughlin, Vogue, March 1948
Barbara Mullen in shapely jacket, fitted and belted and curved for wide skirts in Russian broadtail by Ritter, a winging side-set white felt cloche by Erik, photo by Richard Rutledge, Vogue, March 1948
Betty Bridgers wearing a hat of pink, blonde and green tulle by Braagaard, jewelry by Tiffany, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar, June 1948
Pat O’Reilly in charming gray-and-white spotted sundress with matching bolero by Frederic Starke, broderie Anglaise cloche by Erik, photo by Jay at the Villa Borghese, Harper’s Bazaar UK, May 1949
Pat O’Reilly in classic plaid cotton shirtwaister by Dorville and piqué boater by Erik, photo by Jay at St. Peter in Rome, Harper’s Bazaar UK, May 1949
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