Basics

Channels:
Fashion, Design, and Unique
Genres:
Accessories, Costumes, Formal Wear, Wedding Apparel - Accessories
Role:
Apparel Designer
Specialties:
Custom made headware from any historical era. Contruction from the foundation up, only using the best quality fabrics and vintage trims. Stage costumes and reenactors a specialty.

Biography

About me: I remember doing my first craft projects at 5 years old. No one had to teach me how to craft, it's just something that I'd start doing with found objects. I love collage works of any kind, whether they are shadow boxes, strings of odd beads, or patchwork quilts. I'm not happy unless I have at least 3 different types of art going on at all times. Currently I'm making hats, sewing dresses, and baking bread. Sometimes I switch out for embroidery or beadwork, whatever I'm in the mood for.

Statements

My hats are one of a kind, and will never be repeated. I LOVE doing custom work. I can match any outfit and era you desire, with quality materials and historical accuracy. More examples of my millinery work can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivkasmom/

A word about my hats: All of my hats come from a 100% smoke/perfume/hairspray free environment. I do not do craft shows, so you can rest assured that these hats have not been tried on by hundreds of people. They are kept in clean, dust free storage away from UV light. I suggest that you store them in the same way. In a large plastic bag on the top shelf of your closet is the perfect place for them.

Styles

Tudor, Regency,Edwardian, Victorian, Civil War, Flapper Era, Modern, High Concept

Creative Tools Used

silk, beads, velvet, feathers, buchram, straw, crystals, vintage trims

Techniques

I assemble all of the various components myself, draping, pinning and sewing.

Most of my hats have newer frames, because antique and vintage bases are too fragile. I try to use trims that are at least 40 years old, and I often use fabrics taken from antique clothing.

Generally, I use new straw hat bases, and anything that says "buckram" was constructed from scratch, the old fashioned way. When I say "vintage", I don't mean last week, I mean at least 40 or 50 years old, and by "antique" I mean from around the turn of the century. (I can't stand people who say something is antique or rare when it's a reproduction!)

Custom work is always available and very affordable. Depending on the materials required I can match just about anybody's budget. I have done bridal work, theater costuming and hats for historical reinactors. I LOVE a challenge, so don't be afraid to ask for the impossible! More examples of my work can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivkasmom/

Specialties

Custom made headware from any historical era. Contruction from the foundation up, only using the best quality fabrics and vintage trims. Stage costumes and reenactors a specialty.

Inspirations

I have an extensive library of fashion magazines and catalogs from various time periods, which means that I can create something for you with historical accuracy to within a year or so.