“Historically hats have been almost always the norm,” hat designer Eia Radosavljevic is saying, peeking out from under the brim of one of her own creations. Radosavljevic, along with seven other hat designers, formed the Millinery Arts Alliance to promote their favorite accessory.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
The group is holding its own version of France’s annual Festival of Saint Catherine, who’s considered the patron saint of unmarried women. In the 19th century Parisian haute-couture houses, which employed many unmarried women as milliners, began hosting parties to which their employees would wear elaborate hats designed in yellow and green, the saint’s colors.
The Millinery Arts Alliance believes hat wearing empowers the wearer. “Hats can give you a sense of confidence.” Radosavljevic says. As Bevilacqua puts it: “Hats are an instant makeover. Find the right hat and you create instant style.”
