Hats Off to Jennifer Hoertz: The Fab Maker of Clever Headwear

If you, like me, are fascinated by the fascinators sported by Kate Middleton and friends, if you've ever swooned over the exotic creations actresses wore with such ease and attitude in old movies, then you'll be happy to know that even here in the U.S. in the 21st Century, hat-making isn't an obsolete profession. Recently, I met a lovely, funny, and talented practitioner of the millinery arts—Jennifer Hoertz—at a makers market in upstate New York and was completely enchanted by her devotion to this traditional craft.

I have been hearing people say hats are coming back since I started my business in 1993, and it is in the past year that I can say I finally agree.

Hoertz, the mother of two based in Brewster, NY, is a clever powerhouse of creativity and spunk, and her hats reflect that. With a focused attention to detail, delightful choices of fabric, and her ultimate artistry of hand blocking, Hoertz crafts hats that serve as an extension of ourselves, elevating the wearer’s persona, mood, and style.