My recent visit to New York was during a week of splendid sunshine and beautiful family memories. Here are a few of my Hatty Highlights:
I began with a quick exploration of the neighbourhood and discovered the delightful East Village East Village Hats – just a short stroll from our accommodation. I was thrilled to meet Julia Knox and Tracy Chaplin – on a teaching trip from her home in France. I sadly had just missed a workshop with Tracy teaching her signature techniques!
Strolling through SOHO I found three great specialist hat shops…
The irascible Ryan Ramelow was just opening his shop and we were amazed at his style and collection of BOHO hats all made on the premises. I admired his fab collection of hat making machinery. www.instagram.com/ryanramelow
Another Experience was awaiting a little further down Sullivan St when we popped in to meet Linda Pagan from the Hat Shop - again a delightful stockist of Handmade headwear. www.intagram.com/thehatshopNYC
City Hats was stocked full of great styles including our famous Akubra brand, Stetson, Kangol and more.
Heading uptown I rolled through the infamous garment district - first up was a visit to M and S Schmalberg – who still hand-make their flowers on the premises. They kindly showed me their extensive collection of working flower tools and cutting presses. I was impressed by their beautiful showroom and indeed the many beautiful flowers - way too many to choose from! From then on, I kept discovering trim and fabric shops – and indulged in a few lovely items for my box of special stuff.
Heading north through Central Park – The Met was my next visit. I revelled in the incredible display of the Karl Lagerfeld Exhibition - model after model of utter brilliance. Inspiration overload for certain.
An evening at Moulin Rouge did not disappoint – from the fine old theatre to the singing, dancing spectacle that is Moulin Rouge. The hats of course are SPECTACULAR.
Topping off our evening was a visit to the Refinery Rooftop Bar for a view of the city and a refreshing Margherita. Refinery is a Boutique Hotel built in an old Hat Factory with plenty of Hat Memorabilia and a display wall of flower making tools.
A memorable Hatters treat – enough to inspire a lifetime of creativity!