Bes Ben Exhibit | Fashion History Museum

Hats from the American collector Mary Robak were borrowed to create an exhibition about Ben Greenburg—the man behind the whimsical hat designs of Bes-Ben. His unique hats featured unusual materials, from wine corks to plastic flowers, to create some truly amazing and amusing designs. Elizabeth Jachimowicz, former Chicago Historical Society curator and author of the book about Bes-Ben, spoke about Bes-Ben's hats at an opening event.

Bes-Ben: The Mad Hatter of Chicago

Benjamin B. Green-Field (1898-1988) was the creative genius behind the Bes-Ben label. His flamboyant and humorous themed millinery creations were known for their use of unusual trimmings. Our 2019 exhibition of Ben Ben hats was largely borrowed from Mary Robak, a Chicago collector of Bes Ben hats.

Grey Straw with Faux Pussy Willows and Yellow Bird, c. 1941-42

In 1919, at the age of 21, Benjamin Green-Field and his older sister Bess, opened a hat shop on State Street, combining their first names to create the shop's name, Bes-Ben. In 1939, Bess remarried and Ben took over the business.

Red Crepe Hat Decorated with Miniature Records, c. 1955-56

He became known as "Chicago's Mad Hatter" by his famous clients that included Lucille Ball, Hedda Hopper, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Grey Felt Hat with Skunks Holding Flowers, c. 1949

The window of Bes Ben at 938 Michigan Avenue in Chicago became known for displays of crazy and whimsical everyday objects from doll furniture to gilded insects.

Suede Hat Trimmed with Cork Spheres, c. 1960-61

Every year between 1953 and 1965, Bes Ben held summer clearance sales that began at midnight. Ben would throw hats to the crowd and whoever caught one had to pay only $5.00 for it. Their original price tags could range into the hundreds!

Brocaded Hat with Butterflies, c. 1962

With hat-wearing waning in popularity, Ben Green-Field closed his business in 1978. In 1987, not long before his death, he created the Benjamin B. Green-Field Foundation to improve the quality of life for the children and elderly of Chicago.