When it comes to luxury fashion, accessories play a crucial role in elevating an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Among these accessories, hats hold a special place, adding elegance, style, and a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. In the world of high-end fashion, several designer brands have taken the art of hat-making to new heights, combining craftsmanship, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. Join us as we unveil the top designer brands that excel in creating luxurious hats that are coveted by fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Maison Michel
Maison Michel, founded in 1936, is a name synonymous with luxury headwear. This esteemed French brand has established itself as a leader in the world of hats, known for its impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each hat is meticulously handcrafted using traditional techniques, resulting in pieces that exude elegance and refinement. Maison Michel offers a wide range of styles, from classic fedoras to chic wide-brimmed hats, all crafted from the finest materials such as fur felt, straw, and cashmere. The brand’s signature accessories, like ribbons, feathers, and delicate embellishments, add a unique touch to their creations.
Founded in 1936, this historic Paris millinery makes beautifully constructed hats that exude sophistication. At the time, women went to fashionable milliners for their headgear. In the late sixties, a lot of milliners and hat-makers had to close down. Auguste Michel therefor handed over his Maison to entrepreneur Pierre Debard and his milliner wife Claudine. And with that, Maison Michel is born – an atelier specializing in head accessories. The brand began to take shape, and Maison Michel soon became a heavyweight in the fashion world, who quickly established themselves as a high-end go-to for chic and elegant hats.
ANYTHING BUT AN ACCESSORY
As part of Chanel’s Métiers d’Art collective, the historic Parisian millinery collaborates with a selection of prestigious brands and since 2006 has offered its own eponymous line characterised by the most creative, cutting-edge approach. Headed by Creative Director Priscilla Royer, the atelier combines innovative technology and alternative cultural and historical references to create beautiful headwear that’s at once wearable and full of attitude.
Since 2015, the line has been designed by Priscilla Royer, co-founder of the Pièce d’Anarchive label. Exploring the vast potential of unconventional textures, structures, and shapes, Maison Michel carries on its legacy as a mainstay of the trade, having extended the reach of its coveted women’s hats from Paris to Manhattan and beyond.
Since 1936, Maison Michel has imagined hats that are anything but an accessory. Under the watchful eye of Priscilla Royer, its fanciful hats, from cat-ear headbands in petal-fine lace to elegant straw fedoras are handmade in the label’s Paris atelier.
Philip Treacy
When it comes to extravagant and avant-garde hat designs, Philip Treacy’s name is at the forefront. Hailing from Ireland, Treacy is renowned for his bold, imaginative creations that blur the line between fashion and art. His hats have graced the heads of celebrities and royalty alike, making him one of the most sought-after milliners in the industry. Treacy’s designs are characterized by their sculptural shapes, intricate detailing, and the innovative use of materials. From whimsical fascinators to statement-making headpieces, his hats are a testament to his extraordinary vision and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Treacy’s career started when he met Isabella Delves Broughton, the style editor of Tatler Magazine. Fascinated by his designs, Isabella asked Treacy to make a veil for her wedding. Soon enough, Treacy opened his workshop in the basement of his residence in Belgravia’s Elizabeth Street. In 1993, Treacy collaborated with Valentino and staged his first solo show at the London Fashion Week where supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell sported his all black hats. He opened his first store right next to his residence in 1994. The years 1997 started off with notable collaboration with Alexander McQueen for his debut at Givenchy Haute Couture. In 2000, Treacy made history by becoming the first designer to have presented couture dedicated exclusively to hats at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris. His fall show of July 2001 started off by model Erin O’Connor walking down the ramp wearing a H-A-T hat by Treacy. His 2003 Andy Warhol themed couture show was opened by Naomi Campbell wearing a Campbell’s soup can hat.
He gained recognition from the world over when Camilla Parker wore a Philip Treacy hat at her wedding with Prince Charles in 2005. He was also appointed as design director for a luxury hotel, G in Galway. In 2007, Treacy received an OBE for his brilliant career in the British fashion industry shortly after Isabella Blow’s sad demise. He designed hats for more than 36 guests at the royal wedding of Kate Middleton with Prince William; his hats were praised to the skies. In 2010,
It is also worth mentioning that Philip Treacy won the Accessory Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards three times in a row; in 1991, 1992 and 1993. He then again went on to win another two in a row in 1996 and 1997. Treacy’s star studded list of clientele includes famous names like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Princess Beatrice of York, Victoria Posh Beckham, Britney Spears and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Lock & Co. Hatters
With a rich heritage dating back to 1676, Lock & Co. Hatters holds the distinction of being the oldest hat shop in the world. Situated in London’s iconic St. James’s district, this esteemed British brand has been crafting exquisite headwear for centuries. Lock & Co. Hatters is renowned for its classic designs, timeless elegance, and commitment to quality. Their hats, often made from premium materials like beaver felt and panama straw, showcase the brand’s dedication to preserving traditional hat-making techniques while embracing modern trends. From the iconic bowler hat to the sophisticated top hat, Lock & Co. Hatters offers a range of styles that exude British sartorial excellence. This luxurious collection of women’s hats is designed to be the perfect accessory to your wardrobe style throughout the year. Their women’s collection includes fedoras and trilbies as well as cloche hats, beanies, and the finest quality Panamas. Alongside this, a carefully handcrafted couture collection offers beautiful vintage-inspired hats, luxurious silk headbands, and special wedding-inspired creations.
Borsalino
Borsalino is the oldest Italian company specializing in the manufacture of luxury hats. Since 1857, the manufacturer has been based in Alessandria, Piedmont. The founder, Giuseppe Borsalino, is remembered for creating a particular model of felt hat characterized by the registered trademark Borsalino. From their iconic fedoras, beloved by style icons such as Humphrey Bogart and Alain Delon, to their elegant wide-brimmed hats, Borsalino combines classic designs with a modern twist. The brand’s commitment to excellence has solidified its place as one of the most prestigious hat makers in the world. This luxury fedora by Borsalino is made from a high quality fur felt with a brushed silk finish for a soft feel. Available exclusively from DelMonico hatter in a beautiful deep olive color! Borsalino Hats have been manufactured in Alessandria, Italy since 1857.
In the realm of luxury fashion, hats offer a unique way to express personal style and add a touch of opulence to any ensemble. The top designer brands mentioned here – Maison Michel, Philip Treacy, Lock & Co. Hatters, and Borsalino – have carved a niche for themselves by blending timeless elegance with innovation. Their dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and use of premium materials set them apart in the world of hat-making. Whether it’s a statement-making headpiece or a classic fedora, these luxury hat brands continue to captivate fashion enthusiasts with their exceptional creations, allowing individuals to embrace the world of luxury headwear and make a bold fashion statement.
