August 11, 2020

Introducing Le Hat by Rae Feather

Hello and thank you so much for engaging in my first ever Le Hat blog!

I could not be prouder to be part of this product. I have always been a hat fan but I was that person either in the airport or the hotel shop buying a hat that I was averagely satisfied with. You know that “it’ll do” moment. The hat that protected us from the sun and worked with 50% of my holiday wardrobe. The hat that you didn’t care if you left in a restaurant/hotel room or aeroplane. If I clawed back all the money I have spent on hats over the years…

About a year ago I sat down and started thinking it through… What did I want from a hat?

This was my list:

Ease - ease to carry, ease to store and ease to travel with
Comfort - the ability to wear with comfort.
Sustainability
Affordability
No size issues - in other words, one size fits all.

I found the perfect “raw” product at a show in Paris. A company from Italy that has been selling hats in their raw state since the 1800’s. Recycled papier and raffia hats in great colour and designs - all sustainable.

My next job was to find someone to make hats. A man, knew a man, knew a man and finally BINGO, I found a company in Florence that specialised in hand making hats. A family run business who greeted me with open arms and set to work immediately. Nothing was a problem and within a few days we had a collection of packable womens hats that I was thrilled with. The sizing issue was dealt with by adding an adjustable tape inside that allowed the hat to hopefully fit all shapes and sizes.

Next was packaging! This was to be a home to the hats. A place that they would pack into and not take up too much space, complete the packable element and ultimately travel in a handbag whilst not taking up too much space in a suitcase.

I wanted it to be waterproof but it had to be sustainable packaging. This proved to be challenging but eventually I found a biodegradable plastic for the packaging that was perfect.

Finally we had a brand - "Le Hat" was born!

I wanted it to appeal to a cross section of women (and men to come, of course). I wanted a really relaxed, relatable and approachable brand. We created four women we identified with. All unique and all with their own particular style. We had them illustrated by an amazing Canadian Lady, Heather Lafleur - see below - who is your fav?