The First Eight Hats

Ernestine:

Inspired by steampunk fashion, the Ernestine juxtaposes luxurious fabrics with antiqued brass, utilitarian

gears with delicate

filigree, and takes it over the top with a lush panel of overlapping pheasant plumage. The Ernestine features burnt orange dupioni silk and a brown/gold brocade, a pad of pheasant feathers in browns and creams,

and a topaz acrylic jewel

set in brass filigree. Metal gears and tiny brass flowers set with pearls are hand-sewn to accent the central embellishment, along with tiny rhinestones in two shades of topaz.

Emmeline:

Slightly more whimsical than her older sister Ernestine, the Emmeline is offbeat, quirky, and full of an airy unconcern for all things conventional. A fluffy golden ostrich plume is grounded by an eclectic collection of clock faces, keyholes, and brass flowers set with pearls, while a single coppery gear is a nod to the traditional steampunk aesthetic. Burnt orange dupioni silk and chocolate brown grosgrain ribbon are set off by six tiny topaz rhinestones, and fanciful brass curlicues finish off the look.

Ikebana:

Elegant in its simplicity, the Ikebana embodies the qualities that are the hallmark of the traditional Japanese form of flower arranging. A single band of olive-green brocade is wrapped with narrow brown satin ribbon, and surmounted by two perfect silk orchid blossoms. Delicate gold thread forms vertical stripes that meet at the top of the crown in a starburst pattern visible only from above. The orchid stems have been wrapped in matching olive-green satin ribbon, and the petals are painted in acrylic to prevent creases and maintain their delicate pefection.

Jacqueline:

Quintessentially Parisian, the Jacqueline would be equally at home nibbling macarons at Hermés or attending the races at Ascot across the Channel. No matter what's in vogue, black and white are always the fashion. The Jacqueline features bold black-and-white striped ribbon, set off by a fashionably drooping white ostrich plume and three black goose biots, curled to perfection. A ruby-red

acrylic jewel is wrapped in brass filigree and accented with two tiny pearls, and placed in the center of a dramatic bow. No matter what the event, you're sure to be the best-dressed person there in this chapeau!

Lady Anne:

Cool and aristocratic in shades of gray and lilac, the Lady Anne is threaded with silver, studded with pearls, and fit to adorn nobility. Silver thread is hand-stitched in a quilted pattern over the entire crown, and accented with individually sewn glass pearls at each juncture. A wide band of lilac dupioni silk is highlighted with a double row of satin ribbon in lilac and gray, while an amethyst acrylic jewel is wrapped in silver filigree and accented with more pearls and tiny rhinestones in lavender. The hat is surmounted by a matching gray ostrich plume.

Tiffany:

With hot pink brocade and black feathers, what else can this hat be called but "Tiffany"? Shocking pink brocade practically glows against the black felt hat, and is patterned with exotic blooms in electric blue, orange, and gold. The swirling chrysanthemum pattern in the brocade is echoed by the golden wire swirls that surround the central jet-black acrylic jewel, and the intertwined black spiral goose biot feathers. It can be tough to make hot pink look elegant, but the Tiffany manages it!

Twilight I (Edward):

Inspired by Twilight, the Edward is dark and brooding, with a hint of sparkle under the surface. Black, black, and more black is accented with glints of blood-red and silver, while leather and chains keep this beautiful hat from being overly feminine. Black burnout velvet with sparkling threads woven throughout covers the crown, topped with a hat band made of supple black leather. A narrow red satin ribbon adds a touch of color, while red teardrop crystals dangle like drops of blood from silver chains fastened by antique silver buttons. A jet-black acrylic jewel is set in silver filigree with two tiny red rhinestones, and curling black feathers add a finishing touch.

Twilight II (Bella):

The feminine counterpart to the Edward, the Bella is just as dark and dreamy, but softened by lace and fluffy ostrich plumes. She still has the sparkle, covered in burnout velvet with metallic threads, and it's only enhanced by layers of heavy black venise lace that recalls the shape of Gothic windows. Antique silver buttons stretch silver chains across a black ostrich plume, which rises above a jet-black acrylic jewel wrapped in silver filigree. Blood-red teardrop crystals, tiny rhinestones, and narrow satin ribbon provide accents of color to this gorgeous hat.