Bejeweled Hats and the extravagant work of Louis Mariette

The "Deep Blue Sea" is the name of one of the most expensive hats to be brought to auction. Created by Australian milliner Ann Maree Willett, this very elaborate hat is crafted in hand-blocked felt, embellished with bright feathers and carrying 26 opals weighting around 1,447 carats. The Deep Blue Sea is estimated at between $150.000 and $200.000.
The record for the most expensive hat in the world is currently held by the "Chapeau d'Amour - Hat of Love,"created by designer Louis Mariette. Crafted in woven platinum and studded with diamonds, the hat is valued at $2.7 million.
The auction "The Nature of Opals" will take place at Bonhams&Butterfields in San Francisco on November 10.

Deep Blue Sea