Garden Gnome. Courtesy of I Love Factory.

New millinery blood is a pre-requisite for our industry, the hatmakers of the world. Just as the film business requires independent producers and the music world hails the alternative, we relish fresh viewpoints of hat design. Fashion lives and breathes with that element that assaults the hallowed walls of the establishment.

Young labels add stimulus and help expand the number of hat lovers that are gradually beginning to appreciate the millinery trade. Evolving designers highlight the more established brands and generate interest in the evolving opera of fashion. Indies help provoke thought and add selection, in turn injecting the quandary of ‘Which hat shall I buy’ into the shopper’s train of thought.

Two newly established hat labels are emerging from either side of the pond and are forging their way into the public eye. I Love Factory here in New York City, and Tour De Force in Merry England, are both quickly blossoming and becoming hot favourites with the young set.

Tour De Force takes the century-old arts of origami and draping to new levels–or should I say, vintage levels. Their latest collection is inspired by the vibrant tones of a Mexican fiesta. Pleated and folded sculptural headwear, oft worn in the 1940s by movie stars of note, is mounted on the ubiquitous headband to produce a visually dramatic effect. It goes without saying that Le Tour De Force’s masterfully draped creations garner well deserved attention.

I Love Factory’s ‘Park Life’ collection applies topical fabrics and millinery ornamentation in a classic palette of black and white, which much loved by the young celebutante. Their latest ‘Perennial Poltergeist’ collection continues to make reference to this black and white thread, but discreet splashes of colour have also been added. The Garden Gnome headpiece (above) includes gilt and a reach of peacock, imparting a distinct spatial concept and movement to its central core. I Love Factory hats have been seen in episodes of Gossip Girl and in the pages of Teen Vogue and WWD of late, confirming the talent of this rising millinery star.