What Makes a Great Hat?

Dec 2015 – Feb 2016 – 100 Most Beautiful Women 2015 Edition

Editor: Jianna Ferrari
Photography & Story: John Martinotti ( www.johnjmartinotti.com )
Fashion Designer: Julie Danforth ( www.juliedanforthdesign.com )
Hats: Courtesy of Randy Hanna ( www.randyhannaphotography.com )
Hair and Makeup: Juel Bergholm ( http://salonjuel.com )
Models: Lena Lev ( www.facebook.com/lena.levine.0729 ),
Nicole Eisman ( www.facebook.com/NicoleEismanModeling ),
IngaLisa Wickstrom ( www.facebook.com/ingalisa.wickstrom.33 )
Accessories Supplied By: Tanya Friberg and Michael Deocampo of The Finerie
( www.thefinerie.com )
Design: MODE Studio
Shoot Location: Randy Hanna’s Studio ( www.randyhannaphotography.com )

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I must say, in my profession I have had the privilege of working with some of the most gifted people who take pride in their craftsmanship and this has allowed me to produce shoots which I feel are elegantly fashionable. The people and fashion creatives I refer to for inspiration influence the resulting compositions.

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Black Floppy Sun Hat: Studio – $45
Python Brocade
Cocktail Dress: Custom order from Julie Danforth/The Finerie – $485
Large Crystal Cut Gemstone Necklace: $300

Wide Brimmed White Hat With Polka Dot Band: Studio – $45
White and Black Long Gown and Belt: Alberto Makali – $475
Crystal Earrings: Julie Danforth – $150

So what makes a great hat? A hat that makes a statement without any words needed. When you wear “the hat” it signifies confidence and individuality knowing it may raise some eyebrows and maybe cause a commotion. You can sense what people are thinking, “Wherever did she find that hat?” or, “that is one sexy hat and she looks amazing in it.” But one thing is for certain; “the hat” or “the (right) hat” can signify respect for certain situations as a statement of self-confidence and elegance.

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Black Floppy Sun Hat: Studio – $45
Houndstooth Wool Cape: $449
Black Sheath Dress: $375
( Dress and Cape custom order from Julie Danforth/The Finerie )

We worked with Julie Danforth, an award winning Seattle designer, for this particular shoot and chose models that we believed could wear a hat and still shine underneath it all. To add to the looks we headed to Seattle based store, The Finerie, for amazing accessories which would complemented the dresses.

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Black Polka Dot Hat: Studio – $47
Black Silk and Rayon Tuxedo Gown: Julie Danforth/The Finerie – Price on Request
Rhinestone Earrings: $39
Rhinestone Necklace: $75

Then came time for the hats, the perfect complement to the entire ensemble. For this we headed to world accomplished published landscape and wildlife photographer Randy Hanna for his support and use of his beautiful studio along with his collection of amazing hats that were a prime ingredient for the project. I described my vision to one of my favorite hair and makeup artists in the industry; Juel Bergholm. Juel and Julie knew exactly what I wanted and did not waste any time getting things set in motion. As I was prepping the set, Bergholm was dolling up the models and Danforth prepared the outfits, matching accessories with hats. The excitement in the air was palpable because everyone knew this was going a very fun shoot.

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Martha Sliter once said; “Wearing a hat versus not wearing a hat is the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armor, and the badge of femininity. A hat is the difference between wearing clothing and wearing a costume; it’s the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it’s the difference between looking adequate and looking your best.” We had set out to produce a shoot that would be kept simple and yet have that timeless high society look from the past that is still part of today’s fashion world. In closing, I pose this question to everyone, “What, in your opinion, makes a great hat?” Is it the creator’s vision that make the hat? Is it the owner who wears the hat, the accessories, the outfit or all of the above?

For more information send request to: info@ModeLifestyleMagazine.com
WWW.ModeLifestyleMagazine.com

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