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This is a cloche/turban with a vintage feel and modern sensibilities. I named her Eleanor, to honor Eleanor Roosevelt who made such a significant impact on civil and women's rights. A woman who carved out a new role for first wives and pioneered women's rights. I would like to think she would like this understated yet eye-catching hat. One of a kind, sensible and fashion forward. "The Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt -
The Dee family created the American candy company that produces Smarties. Founder Edward Dee, who used to occasionally go in to work until age 95 (he has since passed), left the company to his three granddaughters who currently run the candy empire. With family-friendly working hours, each smarties workers are gifted 30lb of candy each Halloween to share the sweet goodness. This "Dee's" gossamer is a nod to women-run empires, with heart, sharp minds and a sweet disposition. -
When you wear a hat or any fashion that "fits" physically and stylistically you stand taller, feeling more secure and confident. You know today is going to be a good day...equal to a great hair day or simply driving when all the traffic lights turn green as you commute to work. Deborah is one of those "sure thing" additions to your wardrobe. She's luxurious to feel and looks like a foreign fabric, perhaps fur. People won't believe she's handmade felt with her muted colors and subtle patterns. The hint of animal print on the edge, she will support any look you want, be it casual or on a night out. You won't have to say a word with her on, people will take note of it promoting the beautiful you... She's a woman of action and few words. -
The thing about felt making is that although you have a vision and you set up what you're making very carefully and skillfully, you never really know how it is going to turn out. There is a "letting go" of control when feltmaking, and when you reveal what you've made, I call it a "no whammies" reveal. A little hope and a prayer each time. ;) This hat turned out EXACTLY as I'd planned. I couldn't have placed the print better, as the hood (felt shape) was destined for this vintage turban block. The felt is light, thin and even, as you would expect with such a topper. It exudes luxury and is for the woman who is a confident hat-wearer. This hat WILL turn heads and say to the onlooker that you are a woman who is sure of yourself. Casual and dressy, this hat can take you from the market to an evening out. -
The resume of the woman who wears this hat reads as follows: Uniform is the classic black trench. Carries a briefcase to work, while wearing stilettos. Can disarm you verbally in mediation or court. This hat pairs perfectly with a classic black coat, red lips, and a fierce personality. Women who love espresso need apply. -
Brownie Wise was the ultimate party planner, inventing the idea of home parties to promote Tupperware in the 1950's. During convention weekend Jubilees lavish gifts and rewards were presented and elaborate treasure hunts were done with prizes buried underground. This hat, "Brownie Mae", would be what she would choose to wear. Stylish, commanding and luxurious. Her desire for happiness helped recruit thousands of women into a career at a time when a woman's role was conventionally tied to the home. In 1954 she became the first woman to appear on the cover of Business Week magazine. This hat is handmade felt. The upcycled sequined silk fabric is fused with raw merino wool in a process of wet felting called nuno felting. Once the fabric/felt hood is created, it is blocked over a vintage heated block and shaped by hand. The silk velour hat band is dyed to match the peach/red tone of the felt. This hat is halfway between a regular felt and gossamer in its weight, with the density of the sequins helping to create structure. Beautiful from every angle, comfortable, and yes...sensible. This hat fits a small-sized head, 21.25-21.5″ in circumference. If you have any questions about size, please contact me. "No Matter who you are, you alone can give the world something that it can get from no other source" - Brownie Wise. -
In the late winter most of us crave color, a warm breeze and to feel the heat of the sun. New growth shows itself slowly as the snow recedes. There is a sense of joy, of hope and new beginnings. Plans start to form for getting (and staying) outside, perhaps even seeing family or friends we've not been able to see... While Covid-19 has made the last year very difficult and perhaps has made the winter feel especially long, I think there is renewed hope and relaxation with the thought of the arrival of spring. This hat is so very cheerful and spring-like. The silk is upcycled from a skirt that has embroidered flowers at the top and bottom, the middle being a pile of delicate leaves. I'm thrilled with how they've clustered on the hat, as it looks as if your head is a garden bed blooming beautiful flowers! A vintage turban design with a modern twist using upcycled fashion. What a bouquet! -
A great "starter" Trish Raine hat, Bibi cloche has style, sensibility and practicality. She will protect you in cold, damp winter weather (basically anything winter will throw at you), although colder than -15C you might place her under a hood. She will fold up in your purse, willingly fit a ponytail of hair in her folds, and her design (many silks) will match pretty much anything you wear. She can go "running" or exercising with you; snowshoeing, x-country skiing, dog walking. She can also be the comfortable friend who accompanies you to the Saturday market and completes chores with you. She is reliable and maintains her shape for many years. Like a trusted old friend, she's got your back, providing comfort and warmth. -
I'm going to let you in on a Behind-the-scenes moment for Trish Raine. Sometimes I struggle with creating pieces and this hat was a battle royale. I made the felt, then hemmed and hawed at the resulting hood. I discussed the merino wool fibre with a friend and finally decided to make a soft fedora. Once made, I longingly searched my many containers full of bands, bows, ribbon, flowers and feathers to come up with a finish that I would be pleased with. I ended up upcycling a be-jeweled t-shirt I'd been wearing for years, plucking the hundreds of odd-shaped jewels into a bowl, then randomly sewing them onto this hat. The result is a stunningly beautiful fedora I would call a showpiece. It has sweet flowers, leopard print and green delicate foliage that peers from around the jeweled crown. So soft and comfortable to wear, it oozes casual elegance. It was well-worth the battle and patience to persevere. "I try to make it look easy, but the behind the scenes stuff is the challenge". - Stephen Curry -
Subtle hints of greys, blues, and gold comprise this stunning work of art. Appropriate for any occasion, and perfect for supporting loved ones on their wedding day. This piece is unique and timeless. -
This cloche embodies Art Deco in the 1920/30's. Art Deco design is characterized by layered shapes, intricate line art, aerodynamic shapes and metallic colors like gold and chrome. This zigzag modern take on the 20's cloche is a one of a kind show-stopper. The hat band is an upcycled beaded strap from a dress and some petals on the 3D flower are done made using un-felted silk, emphasizing the size of the original silk pattern. A real statement piece, it can be worn to an even or a special night out, or simply as daywear teamed with a warm sweater or wool coat. Glamour and Luxury, Art-Deco inspired wearable art. -
Early morning with your coffee in hand, you slide on your sandals and wander into your garden. The day is calm and the smell of roses starts to perfuse the air, warming in the sun. This hat is that feeling that you don't have to leave behind when autumn and winter arrive. You can drop your shoulders and relax every time you reach for this hat. I wish I could infuse a smell of roses into this hat (hahah - I can't) to keep you company over the winter, reminding you that spring and summer are not that far away... -
This kitchen sink deep cloche is named for Alma Reville, a pioneer for women in the film industry. She also was known as Alfred Hitchcock's wife. Writer, assistant director, actress, screenwriter, Alma wore many hats and forged a path for women in film. She was also Hitchcock's sounding board and collaborator. On accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award, Alfred is quoted as thanking "I beg permission to mention by name only four people who have given me the most affection, appreciation and encouragement, and constant collaboration. The first of the four is a film editor, the second is a scriptwriter, the third is the mother of my daughter, Pat, and the fourth is as fine a cook as ever performed miracles in a domestic kitchen. And their names are Alma Reville". -
Officially introducing my model Lily. She has modeled for me for years and I am forever grateful for her willingness to continue to sit for shoots as she grows up. I do realize Tigers have stripes and not spots, but calling this gossamer "Leopard Lily" sounds silly. While the spotted flower comes in many colorful shades, the yellow lily symbolizes thankfulness and the desire for enjoyment. I feel like that is perfect considering it is spring 2022 and the world opening up once again. Being grateful for what the past two years has done for us and a desire to get out there once again and live a little more freely. This Gossamer is indeed playful and ready for a vacation or a party or two!
