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.
7:56 pm on April 22nd, 2009
I LOVE I LOVE FACTORY. I’m a huge fan! I already have 3 of their hats in my collection and can’t wait for more! Beautiful! Exquisite! XOXOXO
8:54 pm on April 22nd, 2009
Call me sad but I plan outfits around my I Love Factory pieces.
There isn’t a day that goes by that someone doesn’t comment on my ILF gear.
I had the opportunity to meet designers Laurel & Christopher at an event a month ago and they are two of the most amazing, genuine, artistic and driven fashion designers of this generation.
I can not wait to see what I Love Factory will come up with next!
8:59 pm on April 22nd, 2009
I was visiting NYC and was shopping at Henri Bendel and stumbled upon “I Love Factory” during a trunk show. I purchased two head pieces, The Prospect and The Leffert’s and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. Im currently looking to add another piece to my collection from their Spring – Perennial Pltergeist’s collection. Im really excited at what these guys are doing and look forward to seeing many more collections!!!
9:10 pm on April 22nd, 2009
I <3 I love Factory! I went to their trunk show at Henri Bendels and I fell in love with ALL of their pieces! If I could I would wear them everyday!!
10:04 pm on April 22nd, 2009
I absolutely love the head gear, I own 3 pieces and always receive compliments when wearing them-if you don’t have one YOU NEED ONE or two or three!!!!!!!
11:50 pm on April 22nd, 2009
So, I own many many fabulous headpieces. But the ones from I <3 Factory are by FAR my favorites. I also get compliments on them literally every time i wear one out. Loves it.
Keep up the good work!
12:23 am on April 23rd, 2009
I love I Love Factory… It dresses up my Sunday brunch dresses.
2:22 am on April 23rd, 2009
I Love Factory is unique and fabulous. What i love the best about these pieces is the versatility. You can wear them with almost any outfit! I really do LOVE Factory ! <3
5:02 am on April 23rd, 2009
I live in Brooklyn and I am embarassed by the fact that I don’t own one of these fabulous I LOVE FACTORY headpieces yet. The buzz has been spreading in New York. I’ve been reading more and more about the duo online and I could have sworn I saw them walking in Prospect Park one Sunday afternoon. I’m hoping they have another trunk show soon!
2:33 pm on April 23rd, 2009
I own a headpiece from the famous I <3 Factory! Every single time i wear it people tell me how sophisticated and flirty these headpiece are! They compliment almost every outfit. I do professional lectures/workshops! I wear it each time I present and the positive feedback makes me feel like a rock star! If you don’t have one yet, your missing out! I want to thank the famous duo behind I <3 factory for significantly impacting my fashion passion!
5:05 pm on April 23rd, 2009
I LOVE LOVE I <3 Factory. Where can I get one of these headpieces? I missed your last trunk show and would love to be able to purchase one. It’s refreshing to see something different and cute!
3:13 pm on April 24th, 2009
I absolutely adore these designers and their beautiful pieces!! I was able to snag an invite to their ILF Fashion Show presentation and fell IN LOVE!! I have two pieces and need to have more asap!! Both Chris/Laurel are so sweet and wonderful that it make all their pieces even more special!
3:07 pm on April 25th, 2009
I love factory NEED to get their ass to London. I bought one of their headpieces when I was visiting NY and whenever I wear it I always get compliments (and if I’m lucky a phone number!). Plus I would love to meet one of the designers Chris as he looks pretty fricken crazy.