FASHION: Easter Parade

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In solemn conclave at a cocktail party in Manhattan last week, eleven of the nation's top milliners met to announce their choices of the best-hatted women in the U.S. Each chose the one woman among his customers who "best qualifies as the perfect showcase for his hats." Under the terms of the contest, it was not surprising to find some familiar names among the winners. The top eleven and their milliners: Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower (Sally Victor), Mrs. Lauritz Melchior (John Frederics), Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney (Mr. John), Contralto Claramae Turner (Robert Dudley), Soprano Mary Bothwell (Rose Saphire), Nightclub Singer Juliana Larson (Margaret Cody), Radio Commentator Ruby Mercer (Marion Valle), Coloratura Soprano Barbara Gibson (Helen Liebert), Cinemactress Jan Sterling (Walter Florell), Actress Dorothy Stickney (Anita-Andra), TV Star Arlene Francis (Emme).

This year's trend—if such there ever is in women's hats—seemed to be toward bigger bonnets. Reported Vogue: "A sweeping new fashion to watch—and best watched from under the brim—[is] the wide-brimmed hat, famous for harboring the world's most becoming shadows."