Irene of New York (born Irene Stone) was a distinguished American milliner who significantly influenced mid-20th-century fashion from the 1940s through the 1960s. Operating her boutique on East 54th Street, she became a household name for sophisticated, high-end headwear sold at luxury retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Henri Bendel.
Unlike some of her contemporaries who focused on theatrical avant-garde styles, Irene and her design partner, H. Robert Greene, were celebrated for creating “wearable” elegance. Her signature designs often featured innovative materials like ciré-finished organza and intricate details such as floral garlands and tailored silk turbans.
Her hats are still highly collectible vintage pieces, often recognizable by the “Irene of New York” label, representing a golden era of Manhattan’s custom millinery. These vintage photos showcase the incredible artistry of Irene of New York, reminding us of a time when a hat was the ultimate signature of a woman’s style and grace.
Nina de Voogt in coat that wraps closely or hangs loosely of wheat wool tweed by Ben Zuckerman, black silk organdy sailor by Irene of New York, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, February 1, 1952
Evelyn Tripp in wonderful, peau-de-soie dancing dress with a long moulded torso, in a mixture of beige and brown by Ceil Chapman, small pink satin hat by Irene of New York, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, September 15, 1954
Evelyn Tripp in Alaska Sealskin polo coat with flap pockets and low half-belt by Fredrica, ermine toque by Irene of New York, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar, November 1955
Mary Jane Russell in gently tailored taupe satin suit by Ben Barrack, fitch beret by Irene of New York, jewelry by Verdura, photo by Karen Radkai, Vogue, September 15, 1955
Model in Anglo wool suit with a 7/8 length topcoat by Ben Zuckerman, Karakul tambourine by Irene of New York, Kislav gloves, photo by Erwin Blumenfeld, Town & Country, September 1955
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