Accessories: Stylish Hats from Milliner Albertus Swanepoel

Albertus Swanepoel [South Africa]

Stylish Hats from South African Born Designer And Milliner Albertus Swanepoel

[Image source: Carolina Herrera Fall 2008 collaboration, denverpost.com]

“Hats are like sunglasses. They detract and attract attention at the same time” so says fashion designer turned much sought-after milliner, Albertus Swanepoel (on Net-a-Porter.com).

Leaving behind a very successful fashion career in his home country Albertus Swanepoel made the move from South Africa to start anew in the United States in the late 1980’s and after working for a few local design houses ended up studying millinery and soon after his label Albertus Quartus was born.

[Image credit: Albertus Swanepoel]

I must confess to not really being one for wearing hats and can understand when Albertus Swanepoel refers to them as the ‘orphan accessory’ coming in way after jewellery, shoes, bags, belts and even scarves. Millinery is such a niche field but one where Albertus has made his mark with his often whimsical creations including feathered fedoras, bursts of plumage, intricate embellishments, finely detailed patterns, lashing of ribbon and patchwork all exceptionally handcrafted by himself. Albertus Swanepoel has been recognised for bringing a breath of fresh air to the industry States-side, with comparisons to the likes of Philip Treacy in terms of innovation, creativity and vision.

[Image credit: Albertus Swanepoel]

In addition to handcrafting more than 800 hats a year for his own line, Albertus Swanepoel’s hats have also made him sought after for designer collaborations that have included Carolina Herrera Fall 2008, Steston 2010, and Gap. As I was writing this I was trying to work out what the Carolina Herrera hats reminded me of then it came to me – Robin Hood… I know, I know, but I guess its the shape of the hats and the way they are perched jauntily atop the model’s head with the rather magnificent rooster’s plume following behind.