Behind the New Hat Collection

Ordinarily, the ribbon around a hat is considered the finishing touch, a final detail to bring the design together and lend it character. Here, however, the ribbon becomes the main feature.The Origami Collection explores what can be achieved with a length of pure silk ribbon. Folded and stitched by hand into intricate patterns, the silk takes on a sculptural quality, drawing on the precise folds and geometry of origami. Each pattern creates a different effect, transforming the traditional hatband into the defining detail of the hat.

Why Origami?

The principle behind origami is the transformation of something flat and two dimensional into an artistic form through patience and a sequence of precise folds. There is, as such, an interesting connection between the art of paper folding and millinery. Both rely on an inherent understanding of material: where it naturally wants to bend, where it requires structure, and how the repetition of a simple fold can gradually build into an intricate pattern.

The new ladies collection has three distinctive ribbon styles. 

The Midori (緑), meaning “green” or “freshness”, takes its name from an Old Japanese word associated with young shoots and new growth. Its soft green felt is paired with a rich golden silk ribbon, carefully folded and stitched into a repeating arrow pattern. The angular folds have an almost jewel like quality, recalling the facets and geometry of cut precious stones.

The Brigitte’s name derives from Brighid, the goddess associated with fire, poetry and healing, reflected in the passionate pink of the felt.Against it sits a deeper plum silk ribbon, folded and stitched into a feminine ruffle. Soft and fluid against the outspoken pink, the folds bring a sense of movement to the hat while retaining the intricacy that defines the Origami Collection.

The Kate takes its name from a more traditional source, with an etymology associated with purity, strength and clarity. Its design follows suit. The silk ribbon is folded into a precise geometric pattern, with repeating diamond forms that bring a sense of order and symmetry to the ha

All of the hats are made to order with a 2-4 week lead time contact: enquiries-hj@herbert-johnson.co.uk