milliner matchmaker: camille design

considering how the world was abuzz over the whimsical toppers worn by royal wedding guests, it seems a shame that, with the exception of the red hat society and the occasional hipster revival, most folks these days seem content to cover their crown with an unassuming baseball cap. once upon a time the hat was a necessary accessory. the finishing note for most any outfit be it a delightfully feathered confection made to woo a sweetheart or a felted fedora that doubled as an impromptu disguise while investigating noir-ish plots.

those of us who adore the fashion possibilities of a hat (more than just a handy rescue on a bad hair day, dear readers) will be charmed to meet designer camille winet who moved her millinery studio from the bay area to the big island a few years ago. since settling in hawi, her handmade collection of sweet fedoras, chic berets, and wide brimmed beauties have welcomed fetching sun hats constructed to shade your face from the sizzling hawaiian sunshine.

depending on your mood, you can slip on personas from contemporary gamine to ladylike enigma with a simple hat switch. an instant makeover without investing in a brand new wardrobe . . . j'adore!

more peeks from camille design's spring/summer lookbook after the jump . . .

veronica portrait * anita newsboy * josephine beret

mommy & me sun hats

i should also mention that camille's pretty accompaniments are one-of-a-kind and incorporate vintage fabric and trimmings. styles are available in standard sizes via her ready-to-wear line, and the collection also offers keiki-sized coverups for little kama'aina plus tailored hats for the gent set.

hard to fit heads will rejoice in the possibility of a custom chapeau made just for you. do note the additional 20% charge and 2 to 3 week turnaround time, however a worthwhile expense if you have ever suffered from the pinch of a too tight topper.

rtw prices start at $96 and the s/s 2011 silhouettes can be ordered in the online shop.