“What’s in Your Collection?” with Kim Hoegger

Good Day,

I would like to introduce you to Kim Hoegger today who is here to discuss her treasured collection, Head Vases.

Award-winning interior designer and restaurateur Kim D. Hoegger brings to her clients more than 20 years experience in creating interiors that revere the family. Kim’s designs bring to her clients the splendor of southern hospitality creating interiors that welcome family and friends. A lover of classics and all things vintage, Kim creates interiors with a nod to the past and a comfortable, easy elegance that reflects the lifestyles of today’s modern family. 

Kathryn:So Kim, when did you first start your collection of head vases? 

KH: I started collecting head vases in 1999 on my first trip to Roundtop, Texas with my hubby who also bought me my first head vase. 

Kathryn: Why are you passionate about these particular pieces?

KH: I am passionate about head vases because growing up my Grandmother owned a plant nursery, Ross Nursery of El Dorado, Arkansas, and she kept head vases in a glass case in her showroom right near the register and of course, I wasnt allowed to open the case. So, for as long as I can remember, I peered through the glass wishing I could touch them. It wasnt until after her passing that I ran across them and have collected them ever since. They remind me of her and all the wonderful things she taught me. They make me smile. 

Kathryn: What really spoke to you about them?

KH: They spoke to me because they were something that she loved and treasured so very much. She was so very proud of them and had a very extensive collection of them to sell to her customers. She loved showing them off and filling them with pretty flowers. They mean alot to me because they meant alot to her and she was my world. 

Kathryn: What can you tell us about their history?

KH: Originally designed for use by florists, lady head vases became available in the 40′s. Most often dressed in period styles of the day. They are adorned with hats, jewelry and some with gloves. Elaborate eye makeup and eyelashes to die for! And you have to love their beautiful lipsticked cupids-bow mouths. The most highly collectible of the lady head vases are those from the 1950′s with all jewels, eyelashes and flowers intact. Most vases were made in Japan by Japanese manufacturers Inarco, Enesco, Napco, Lefton, Relpo adn Reubens. There were very few American manufacturers of head vases. The most sought after being those made by Henry Holt as they are very rare and of much higher quality. 

Kathryn: Where and how do you use your collection?

KH: My collection is purely for my pleasure and I currently keep it in an antique curio cabinet in my bedroom. 

Kathryn: What are your favorite sources for finding these pieces?

KH: My favorite sources for finding these treasures are antique malls, antique fairs and flea markets. 

Kathryn: What’s your favorite piece?

KH: It’s hard to pick a favorite as I have selected each one for very special reasons, appealing to me in a special way all it’s own. Some remind me of family members, some of celebrities and some look so beautiful and refined that I just cant pass them up…no matter the cost, lol. My favorite would have to be my very first one given to me by my hubby. She is clothed in a very simple, dark green dress and top hat. Her hair is in a side ponytail which is rare. Her eyes are closed, she wears a innocent smile and she is waving. I LOVE it! And, he bought it for me in Illinois while we were visiting his parents because it reminded him of me. I used to wear my hair in a ponytail all the time  

Kathryn: What is your advice for someone who may want to start a similar collection?

KH: There are so many to choose from. Choose the ones that speak to you, that stir you heart. 

Thank you so much for sharing your unique collection with us today, Kim! You can read more from my fellow antique lover on her blog, AT HOME with Kim Hoegger.

 And here is a special image that reminds her of Moi, What do you think?