Interview with Chloe, founder of Hatastic

Today I spent the morning with Chloe, founder of Hatastic, she rescues, reuses and recycles amazing material, bits and bobs, and transforms them into unique handmade hats, fascinators & hair accessories.  I heard about how Hatastic came about, and how being creative, and making things has always been a part of Chloe's life, after growing up with creative parents that encouraged her and her siblings to express themselves through the arts.

Recreation Collection - Group Shot

Recreation Collection - Slinky

L'air du Temps Collection - Vanities Tricorn

L'air du Temps Collection - Group Shot

Photos from  www.julietlemon.com

As part of my interest in understanding how people see themselves compared to how others view us, we discussed identity and validation.  Chloe said she doesn't feel she can call herself a milliner, the Oxford dictionary, defines a milliner as  'a person who makes or sells women's hats'.  I think Chloe does much more than this, her pieces are up-cycled sculptures, when we discuss that she could be described as a designer, she finds this identity one hard to accept also.  This takes us onto the topic of validation, Chloe has been nominated and won a number of awards, she has also been requested to show pieces at a number of fashion shows.  She feels that moments like these are the ones that make her feel more like a designer, and accepted into the world of fashion.

I asked Chloe what piece of advice she would give other people who would like to start up their own creative business; she advised to really consider in depth the branding and identity of the company..  Chloe feels it is important to know exactly who you are, what you are doing and why, this allows you to communicate confidently, and be more authentic.

Running your own business and being a designer/maker can sometimes feel quite isolated.  Chloe has found that bouncing ideas off other like-minded souls and getting feedback from her peers has really helped with the creative process and kept her sane!  Chloe has built up a great relationship with Kat, founder of Creme Nouveau,who's quirky and kitsch creations are well-loved, Chloe feels their products and style really compliment each other, and has led to them working together on a number of projects.

Finally we discussed, what Chloe would change.  That was an easy one, people's perceptions of hats, how to wear them, and when.  Chloe would love to have a Gok Wan style show to demystify the art of wearing hats, which it seems most of us have lost.