The Life of a Dying Art July 21, 2011

“You’re a hat maker? Now, that’s a dying art!” people say to me on occasion when we meet. There is a rich history of art forms dying as culture changes and today use of the term dying art is rampant, attached to an odd array of subjects from proofreading to stir fry, stenography, customer service, [...]

The Bowler Comes Back November 22, 2010

The bowler began as an English hat style, originating back 160 years ago.  Its popularity spread across continents and class till it could be said that it was infused into the subconscious of Western culture.  The bowler broke the mold of what hats were prior to its entrance.  It is no surprise that, as hats [...]

Hats that Sing in the Rain January 19, 2010

It will be wet, wet, wet here on the California Coast these next couple of weeks.  Remember that not all hats are rain hats and wet weather can destroy your favorite hat if this is the case.  Hats that hold up to the rain are made from beaver fur felt, wool felt, thick weather-treated leather [...]

A New Year For Could January 15, 2010

As each new year begins I stretch out and take stock of what inspired me most about the previous year and how I can do more of that in the year to come.  Two questions come up again and again in this conversation that in the past seemed to oppose each other.  What must I [...]

The Value of Price October 10, 2009

In a conversation with a friend last night, I was told that the price point of my hats made it so she was unable to afford one, though she dearly wanted to own many of them.  She went on to commend me on how great it was that I valued myself enough to charge the [...]

Hatmaker Showcase in San Francisco Represents the Change of Guard August 17, 2009

The bay area has long been a place for expressive offbeat fashion, distinct from the temperament of LA and New York.  Despite lacking a pivotal presence in the industry, the bay area produces a strong indie designer scene emanating from the artistic personalities that thrive in our metropolis.  Within this milieu lies a smaller group [...]

The Boater June 4, 2009

Boaters, also known as Sailors, are as dashing today as they were when first worn in the 18th century by British sailors.  They are sporty straw hats, usually with narrow crown and flat top and rigid round brim.  Though its dimensions and trimmings have varied with style trends, the Boater possesses an unmistakable appearance of [...]

Who makes hats? February 23, 2009

  When I tell someone that I am a milliner, they often cock their head and say “What?”  Or if I tell someone I make hats, they say, “Oh, what’s that called, haberdashery?”  There are distinct differences between hatting, millinery, and haberdashery. Today the term hatter specifically refers to one who makes hats for men.  [...]

The Fillmore on a Full Moon January 19, 2009

It was a Saturday night, the full moon shining, as bright as it ever would in this lifetime so they said.  We were spontaneously cruising the Fillmore district in San Francisco, looking to see what was going on.  People I know come here for music.  Known as the jazz district, this San Francisco neighborhood is [...]

On an Indie Mission December 2, 2008

There are definitely less people out at shows right now.  This economy is not stagnant though. It’s good to see that people are still coming out and shopping regardless of the doom and gloom from the press.  It is important, now more than ever, to do our part to support local businesses operating with sustainable [...]