French Carved Wooden Hat Mannequins by Riva-Marchesi Paris, 70cm

Pair of French carved wooden hat mannequins, by Riva-Marchesi Paris, each comprising three individually stamped parts; the head, shoulders and lower torso, total height 70 cm (2) catalogue note: the firm Riva Marchesi were the premier hat mold makers in Paris, France. The Company was formed by two Italian migrants who settled in Paris before the first World War. Riva acted as wood carver with Marchesi acting as the sculptor. They provided hat molds for some of the famous fashion houses of the day such as Dior, Givenchy and Lanvin. The Company ceased operations during the 1960's.