Zuwika at Warsaw Hat Day

On Sunday the Jabłkowski Brothers Department Store filled up with hats and with people who know how to wear them with flair. Warsaw Hat Day, held as part of the Art & Fashion Festival, brought together milliners, designers, artists and lovers of unconventional style.

Between the shows you could look in at the stands, see original designs up close and talk to their makers. Alongside headwear there were handbags, jewellery and works of art, and the halls echoed with live music. I like such meetings: you can take a close look at different forms of art, ask about the details and meet the people behind the project.

For the “Mazovia in a Hat” competition I prepared a silver fascinator inspired by Warsaw's Rotunda. I translated its characteristic roof and the rhythm of repeating elements into an openwork form, which I completed with white feathers. I wanted to keep the architectural outline of this inspiration while giving it the lightness of a headpiece.

Can you see the Rotunda in it? I am curious about your associations. I would also like to see this fascinator in its next appearance: in a photo shoot, at a show or on a stage. If you have an idea where it could play its part, write to me. I would be happy to talk about lending it for a creative collaboration.

First place in the competition went to an extraordinary design by the Eliza Modniarstwo atelier, inspired by Warsaw's staircases. Intricately formed steps lead the eye around the headpiece: a simple idea turned into a small work of millinery art. Eliza, warmest congratulations on first place!

I was also glad to meet my fellow milliners. Day to day each of us works in her own atelier, so it was good to be together and to see each other's work up close.

In the group photo each of us is different, just like the hats we wear and make. It is this diversity that I value in millinery. One craft offers as many possibilities as there are ideas and hands ready to give them shape.

What gave me the most joy, though, were your visits. We talked, tried things on and checked how different headpieces sit near the face. The same model looks different on every person, and that is exactly why I like these fittings so much: together we can find out what makes you feel your best.

There were bold pillbox hats, subtle hats and fascinators that are hard to walk past. Sometimes the choice came at once, sometimes only the next fitting brought that smile. Seeing you in my headwear, with your own idea of how to wear it, gives me a great deal of joy and enormous satisfaction in my work.