Simply stated, I make hats.
It’s not what I’ve always done (it’s what I’ve done for the past 25 years or so), but a logical series of events led me here.
I graduated from California State University at Northridge with a BA in fine arts specializing in textiles and weaving. I worked as a textile designer --- this led me to dyeing and painting my designs on fabric. I made clothing out of the fabric. To make the clothes look better on the runway, I made a few hats. The hats were, and continue to be, fun ― wearable sculpture.
I use the best materials I can find for the job --- usually straw for Spring / Summer, and felt - (either new or recycled vintage) -- for Fall / Winter. I block the material on antique blocks I’ve been collecting over the years (works of art in their own right --- not to mention, a great history lesson). I usually finish by hand, adding beads and other embellishments ----- fine millinery with a twist.
Most of my hats are designed to be worn any way you want –--- with attitude.
My resume includes works for theater, film, television, and music productions ---- as well as for weddings, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, graduations, dog walking, and Burning Man.
I invite commissions.
Amy Smith