Land n Sand Sep / Oct 2013 | Page 58

Visiting them in their light filled studio in Cape Town a hardworking team buzzes in the background. Ribbon, metallic threads and feathers abound. Here is the heart of the business, where their ideas become tangible reality. The entrance a visual feast of hats, headwear and a range of handmade clothing that takes ones breath away. As the ultimate hat enthusiast, I had to literally control my hat purchasing urges and comforted myself by trying on the most elaborate feather bedecked work of art I could find. In this luxuriance of fantasy-meets-reality, I was transported into another time and place. Their hats are evocative of steampunk and elegance of a time long past. There is something about wearing a hat that is bespoke, one that is specially made for you, taking in your vision and making it exactly as you imagined, or even better. As most hats are for special occasions, ones where memories are made they have to get it right. Dominik says there is nothing quite as satisfying as having a delighted client. When asked where his love of hats is from, Dominik said that in their early days he would wear crazy, fun hats and that people always responded positively. ”Looking different, means you will be treated differently. Our fun, party hats spoke to people’s desire to have more fun too, which, incidentally we were also having by virtue of our hats.” Inspiration comes from the world around them, being creatives, they can allow their emotions to dictate their tastes and their hats and clothes allow them to live that out daily. Imagine wearing a whimsical, flamingo pink feathered hat to work, just because you can … Practical advice on hat purchasing; the following should be noted; always purchase the hat first, then the dress. Consider the weather and most importantly always wear a ??????????????????)????????????????????M??????????)M????????????????????????????)5???????????????????????????????)????????????????? ????Q????????)]??????????????????!?????????)I???????????5?????!???????????)???????????????????????????????)???$?????????????????????????)?????????????????????????????????)?????????????????????????????????)?????Q???????????????????$???????)??????????????????????????????)???????????????????????????????)?????????????????????????????????)1????????$??????????aQ???1?????!??????d?)???????e??????????????????????????)M?????????????-????????????????)??????????????????????????q???????)????????????????t??????????????)??????????????????????????$????????)???????????????????????????()????M????????????????????)??????????????????????????????+?a??????d?????????????????H?????]?)????????????????????????????????)???????????????????????????????)????????????????1????M???((