Daché, Lilly (1898–1989)

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Daché, Lilly (1898–1989)

French milliner. Name variations: Lilly Dache. Born Oct 10, 1898, in Bèigles, France; died Dec 31, 1989 in Louvecienne, France; m. Jean Despres (became Coty vice president), Mar 31, 1931; children: Suzanne Dache (took over mother's millinery business).

At 15, became an apprentice to Caroline Reboux and Suzanne Talbot; moved to NY (1924), where she worked as a sales clerk at Macy's; ran her own business in NY (1924–69); became known for her draped turbans, cloche hats, visored caps for war workers, snoods, massed flower shapes, and the swagger hat often worn by Marlene Dietrich. Won Neiman-Marcus fashion award (1940); won 1st Coty Award for Millinery (1943).

See also autobiography Talking Through My Hats (1946).