Certainly, the natural flirtation and mystery – which wearing a hat invokes – is just plain fun. And, even without meaning to, hats often bring out one’s coy, girly side. Plus, donning a hat adds that instant, happy-go-lucky skip to one’s step, as the wearer knows she looks and, therefore, feels great!

Happily, there is no particular face or body type that is perfect for a hat. In fact, it is the other way around. The perfect hat exists for every face and body type! Every woman can look great in the right hat. It is just a matter of experimenting with various styles to find the right one. As a designer, I am particularly enamored with the fabulous, deep fitting cloches of the 1920’s. They are truly timeless classics. And with the wide variety of brim styles, one is absolutely sure to find something that looks fabulous.

It’s no wonder the flapper cloche has never lost its appeal. After all, the fashionable women of the 1920’s had a certain admirable flair and energy. They conquered hearts – or anything else they wanted – with femininity and charm, which they were proud of and freely displayed. Flappers experienced a special sort of emancipation. They were among the first to question traditional societal roles. Although embracing beauty and femininity, they did not concern themselves with acceptability. When they wanted more, they went right after it. I love that, "Yes, I can...and I’ll look pretty while I’m doing it!" attitude. Or, or should I say, HATTITUDE?

I have spent endless hours daydreaming about those amazingly fabulous flappers and their wondrous cloche hats. I have nostalgically eyed their cheeky smiles, radiating confidence, within stacks of old postcards, photographs, magazines of the day, and silent films. Oh, but how I wished I could find a dozen of these magnificent hats stuffed inside of a trunk, abandoned in some dusty corner at an estate sale – just waiting for someone like me to enjoy.

Sadly, as much as I craved those great flapper hats of the 1920’s, my head size, being a 22 ½, made it prohibitive to find one that fit well enough to both look great and be comfortable. On the rare occasion where I did find a flapper cloche in my size, it would be in such poor condition that all I could do was love the way it smartly adorned my dressing room – perched safely atop a hat stand. So, finally, I set out to make my own flapper-inspired hats. Only I determined I would create mine with a decidedly contemporary flair – making them easy to wear with anything, while being shamelessly and unabashedly feminine.

Therefore, without prior experience or formal training in the millinery arts, and equipped only with an artistic energy desperate for a creative outlet, I set forth to teach myself how to make such hats. Thankfully, I was fortunate in that I could draw upon my mother’s vast knowledge as a couturier. It was from her that I learned everything I know – from designing my own flat patterns to the exquisite ribbon art.

In addition, my Spanish and Portuguese heritage played a huge role in my training. For example, in Mexico, where I was born and attended grade school, little girls were taught to sew and embroider beginning in the first grade! During my early childhood, the wonderful, gracious nuns who were my teachers helped me to hone my crochet and embroidery skills and I must credit them for instilling within me the self-confidence necessary to believe I could accomplish anything if I set my mind to it and worked hard enough.

Oftentimes, they questioned whether my mother wasn’t the one finishing the work that I took home. That is, until they heard me "expertly" critiquing the other students’ work, offering them pointers and ideas. I can still remember their smiles, although they personally did not often praise that impish little smart aleck, domestic arts prima donna I thought I was at the tender age of eight.

Surprisingly, although I initially embarked upon my quest to satisfy a desire to own a fabulous collection of custom made hats – with all the flair and styling of the great hats of my favorite 1920’s era. I soon found I was selling my hats right off of my head. Both friends and complete strangers would often stop me to inquire exactly where I purchased my hat. Then they made offers I simply couldn’t refuse. Hence, my small business, ~CLOCHE COUTURE~ was born.

Although my designs have been featured in various publications, including the Harper’s Bazaar Fall 2007 issue, and even some Hollywood legends have purchased several of my hats, It never fails to astonish me when others admire or publicize my work. Especially, since I create my flapper hats out of the sheer love of doing so. Nonetheless, I am thrilled that my designs bring so many others such joy too.

Over the years, my hats have remained one-of-a-kind, and range from classic to unique artsy pieces – always beginning with quality workmanship and the best materials. Also, I use many Old World millinery techniques in combination with my own new methods. Interestingly, I believe not having had a formal millinery background allows me the freedom to do as I please to produce innovative hat designs – creations that are unmistakably fresh and exhibit a new flapper era flair – consistently doing it my way, uninhibited by any rules.

For me, nothing is off limits when it comes to making hats. Everything is fair game; from the hand-blocked felts and straws, to the antique and vintage fabrics for my flat pattern hats, to those glorious fibers for sweet crochet hats. Even so, my favorite part about making a hat is creating its embellishment, which I feel is the true art within millinery. As each hat, sans its decoration, is simply a blank canvas upon which I can "paint" a lively scene. And, as many creative people do, I like to salvage and recycle everything I can. Thus, my embellishments often include fabulous vintage finds – from jewelry pieces and beaded trims to old silk ribbons for handmade blooms.

I LOVE what I do and hope to encourage more and more women to feel free to wear hats and join the rest of us who know that a fabulous unique, one of a kind hat, is a total pleasure not only to its wearer but to everyone who sees it; the server at your favorite restaurant, your next door neighbor, the sales girl who waits on you, all will respond to it as unfailingly as your best girlfriend!

You can be sure that the hat you purchase from me is the only one like it!

I have been offering my hats on ebay for almost 10 years and have enjoyed great success with numerous very happy collectors of my work. Take a minute to check the wonderful feedback left for me!

SOMETHING ELSE FUN TO SHARE WITH YOU!

I'm so proud that over a dozen of my hats are being featured in this talented photographer's Gallery exibits! You can view the rest of Laurie's gorgeous photography by clicking link bellow.

“Swimmers” by Laurie Coppedge

Please, do feel free to contact me as ALL your questions are welcome and answered promptly.

ADD ME TO YOUR FAVORITES

You can be sure you will be buying something truly special of heirloom quality you will treasure.

YOU DESERVE THE VERY BEST!!

THANK YOU AND HAVE FUN!!

Berti Borrell