Local designer and co-owner of Kitty Mae Millinery & Accessories, Susan Dillon, is now offering a new line of men’s hats. It’s a good thing too, because these unique and handmade hats are the perfect accessories for just about any guy. The reason for the new line, she says, is that there weren’t many options available in men’s hats that truly reflect a gentleman’s personal style.
Dillon, who began sewing as a child and who later worked in fiber arts, launched her line of women’s bridal and couture hats in 2010. The men’s line was the next natural step. “I love everything about the process of hat making,” she says. “From the moment I get an idea, to figuring out how to make it a reality, the sewing, the forming and the embellishing – the whole endeavor is so interesting and rewarding for me.”
All of Dillon’s hats are one-of-a-kind, and she finds inspiration from just about everything she sees. Sometimes it’s a shape or a color combination that sparks her creative side, or sometimes she just plays with materials and sees what happens. Currently, Dillon is offering three styles of men’s hats and caps that she describes as vintage-inspired with a modern twist. They are designed to be fashionable, easily wearable, and they can be custom made to suit any guy’s preferences. Many of the hats are made from thrifted suit jackets, so they’re green as well.
“My favorite two styles in the collection so far are the Harrison and the Jonesy,” Dillon says. “The Harrison is a soft-brimmed, two-toned hat with a contrasting band and detail on the brim, and the Jonesy is another soft-brimmed hat with patchwork inset in the crown and a contrasting brim. Right now, I am making them in woolens, but I will offer them in linens and cottons for the warmer months.”
In addition to the current designs, Dillon also plans to add hand-blocked fedoras and bowlers (hats with a round crown and an upturned brim) to the collection. These new offerings also will be available in a variety of colors with almost endless embellishment options.
Pick one up at the Kitty Mae Millinery & Accessories boutique located at 3559 Larimer St. or online at kittymaemillinery.net.
For more on fashion, be sure to attend 303 Magazine’s Spring/Summer Runway Presentation at Denver Fashion Weekend March 1 – 4 at EXDO Event Center. Anyone attending on Saturday, March 3, is encouraged to dress in 1920s attire (in keeping with the theme of the evening). As an added bonus, the first two people to correctly answer this week’s trivia question will win two free pairs of tickets to DFW Nights 1 and 2:
We added a fourth day to this spring’s DFW. Where can you mingle with DFW producers, models, salons, stylists, boutiques, designers and the 303 Magazine family over a special brunch menu on Day 4 of the show?
Misty Milioto is affectionately known as Denver’s Fashion Gal. She covers haute trends and local designers in the Mile High City, all while keeping a close and critical eye on national trends that are currently rocking the runways and the major glossy magazines. Stay tuned for all the best in fashion that Denver has to offer.