Historically Inspired

I have created historically inspired hats for both theatrical and private clients looking for everything from historically documented reproductions to fantastical fun costume pieces. Each historical piece involves extensive research, which is discussed with the client during the design process. Keeping historical hats connected with their relevant context is an important part of each project, as it creates a more respectful and impactful end result.

1830s Bonnet

Buckram and wire frame covered with silk, with ruched underbrim. Trim includes ribbon sashing, vintage berry and leaf trims, long ribbon ties, and intricate pleated trim around the brim edge.

Men's 18th Century Cocked Hat (Tricorn)

Hand blocked in wool felt. Edge is wired and hand bound, ribbon band around crown. Fully lined in silk with classic leather reeded sweatband.

Mid-1880s Perching Bonnet

A ‘flowerpot’ or ‘top hat’ style topper. Buckram and wire frame, mix of flat and blocked construction to create tapered crown and asymmetrical brim. Silk covering with ruched underbrim. Embellished with velvet ribbon, pleated silk, vintage velvet pansies, and a handmade ostrich feather plume. Fully lined in silk with long ribbon ties.

Art Deco 'Gatsby' Hat

Custom wide brim cloche inspired directly by a catalog page from the 1920s. Raffia braid body with applied hemp braid stripes. Brim in wide diamond horsehair with wired edge and hemp braid edging. Trim done in various petersham ribbons with beaded accents. Fully lined in silk.

'Don Carlos' Renaissance Cap

Custom made in cotton velveteen with rouleaux band, chain, 'jewels', brooch, and feather. Inspired by hats seen in Renaissance portraiture.

1890s 'Alpine' Style Cycling Hat

Perching style cycling hat, hand blocked in wool felt with wired and hand bound brim edge. Trims of velvet ribbon, feathers, and vintage cut steel buckle. Fully lined in silk.

Art Deco Ladies' Bicorne Hat

Custom made, buckram and wire frame covered in a silk/wool sateen. Custom made multicolor feather plumes with tinsel accents, finished with vintage veiling and a silk lining.

18th Century Market Hat or Bonnet

Custom made in silk, fully adjustable body with stiff brim and hand finished trims. Inspired by an extant example in the collections of Colonial Williamsburg and portraiture of the era.

Traditional Tall 'Welsh' Hat

Custom made in an 18th century tall hat silhouette, blocked in fur felt with wired and hand bound edge. Trimmed in jacquard ribbon, lined in silk.

1870s 'Tissot' Percher

Custom petite 1870s style perching hat inspired by paintings by Tissot. Peltex and wire frame, covered in clients’ fabric and ribbon remnants. Large bow at back, fully lined.

Art Deco Style Felt Cloche

Custom made, inspired directly from a catalog page from the 1920s. Black fur felt is draped, folded, and manipulated into a very close fitting cloche shape. Fully lined in silk.

1920s Court Presentation Set

Custom made, inspired by court presentation ensembles of the 1920s. Hand curled feathers and veil cut to historically accurate length and styled according to historical references. Headband inspired by movie stars of the era, built on a wire frame with lame ribbon, sequins, beads, and silk rosettes made from fabric from the client’s gown. Chain and clasp attachment for wearing.

Traditional Austrian 'Stopselhut'

Custom made in a traditional Austrian silhouette. The block for this very particular crown shape was custom hand sculpted. Wool felt with wired edge hand bound in wool tape. Tassel trims, fully lined in silk.

Regency Style Straw Bonnet

Inspired by a fashion plate from 1814, made in a fancy woven ramie/sisal blend straw. Trimmed with silk ribbons and vintage millinery flowers, partial adjustable lining of silk taffeta.

Historical Ribbon Cockades

Custom ribbon cockades done in historical styles. These three exhibit examples of: multi layered pleated silk ribbon, pleated and gathered silk ribbon, and gathered grosgrain ribbon. Vintage spangle embellishments at the centers of two, the third unadorned.