By Vanja Jocic couture hats are, as the name suggest, couture hats, which means they are entirely hand made. At no point in the making process do I use a machine of any kind.
FM42: How by Vanja Jocic story began?
I was in a corporate career most of my professional life but always had a longing to embrace my creative side. I finally had the opportunity to pursue this dream while living in London, after the birth of my son Max. I took upon an apprenticeship in hat making studio of master hat maker Prudence Millinery where I learned the craft of hat making. I fell in love with the craft, with hats, with the tradition…and I decided to continue on this creative path. Once we settled in Geneva I set up my studio and started designing and making hats and offering bespoke hat-making services. The business just grew organically from there really and the rest is history…
FM42: Where do you find your inspiration?
I design and make hats that are meant to be worn every day, going on about your everyday life. I am talking about going to the market, picking up your kid from school or going to meet your friends for a coffee. I like to observe people in their daily rituals, to see what they are wearing on daily basis and to I design hats that would enhance these everyday outfits. My hats are essentially inspired by classical hat shapes but I like to play with proportions, colors and textures.
FM42: Which hat from your collection is your favorite and why?
That’s like asking a mother which child is her favorite. I don’t really have a favorite hat but my favorite material to work with is fur felt due to its quality and the texture it adds to any hat shape.
FM42: How by Vanja Jocic hats are made?
By Vanja Jocic couture hats are, as the name suggest, couture hats, which means they are entirely hand made. At no point in the making process do I use a machine of any kind. This means the hats are blocked (shaped) using hands, they are cut, put together and trimmed using hands. For this one requires knowledge of couture hat making techniques. In addition all the tools that I use are traditional couture hat making tools which themselves are also hand made for example the wooden hat blocks, which are made in London by master craftsman block makers. Finally the materials that I use are all ethically sources and whenever possible entirely hand made, like the panama hats I use in my summer collection.
As a result of this process all hats in my collection are unique one of pieces.
FM42: Define your style?
Essentially my style is very feminine, comfortable and fuss free…my ‘uniform’ and go to outfit for every day is a floral dress with boots and overcoat…I find dresses most feminine and comfortable of all outfits. I like to enhance my outfits with great accessories, like hats or scarf’s.
FM42: How to shop your hats?
My hats can be purchase on line, by contacting me directly or by visiting my studio in Geneva.
Follow her Instagram account Vanja Jocic to discover more.
