Bespoke Hat Maker: Satya Twena

 

It's been almost three years since I started Slightly Alabama, and one of the things I'm continuously grateful for is being introduced to a world of talented independent designers and makers who I now call friends. I first met Satya in Florence, Italy at Pitti Uomo where we were both presenting our brands as a part of Liberty Fairs' "Born in the USA" section. Her line of men's and women's hats are produced in one of Manhattan's last hat factories where she leads a team devoted to keeping the tradition of hat making—and hat wearing—alive and moving forward. In addition to her signature collection, she offers by-appointment bespoke services.

I recently had the opportunity to have Satya design and make me one of her custom hats. We started with a fitting in her showroom where we selected the material, silhouette, and brim size. Then I watched as the hat was blocked and shaped to the exact style I chose, before Satya herself took over as designer and hat maker to make me a one-of-a-kind fedora that I'll cherish forever. Take a look at the gallery below to see the process and final product.

Material: Mink Rabbit Suede
Trim: Asymmetrical Leather Piping, Skull and Round Bronze Beads
Treatment: Scorched, Oil-rubbed, Sanded, Distressed

To learn more, visit: satyatwena.com