There are conversations that invite us to pause and reflect on the journey behind our work.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Pawell for LOOKS about Ane de Cocó, the art of millinery, craftsmanship, and the special relationship between a hat and the person who wears it.
A conversation about tradition, creativity and the belief that a hat is never just an accessory.
The Conversation
In my conversation with LOOKS, we spoke about something that has always fascinated me: what happens when a person puts on a hat and suddenly sees themselves differently.
“A hat doesn’t just change your appearance, it can even change the look in your eyes.”
We talked about the trust involved in creating a made-to-measure piece, the traditions of millinery that I still carry into my work today, and why I believe craftsmanship and personal style can coexist.
Craftsmanship, tradition and imperfection
I also shared something very personal about the way I work. For me, a hat is not finished simply because the technical process is complete. It is finished when I can look at it and no longer feel the need to change anything.
And, perhaps my favourite part of the conversation, we talked about a design that was born completely by accident — a brim I cut too short and was convinced I had ruined. I finished the hat anyway. It sold. I made another one. That one sold too.
Sometimes a mistake creates something you could never have planned.
You can read my complete conversation with LOOKS, on LOOKS Philosophy.