Welcome...
Hello my name is Kay, and those who have been following me a while know I have been making hats many years. Some know me from my California stores, conferences and conventions. Others because you purchased my buckram and FOSSHAPE® hat frames, some know me from my past millinery classes and workshops. Over the years people often asked how I became interested in the Art of Millinery and the answer is Princess Diana inspired me. My first hats were a bridal line created using store-bought hat frames. Many years later I perfected my art and now create all the hat frames used for my covered designs along with those sold through the websites.
I consider my hats millinery art because like any art piece; each starts as blank canvases of buckram, Fosshape, or other material. Those materials are hand-blocked using wooden hat blocks that are hand and machine sewn. All the embellishments are sewn not glued on(with the exception of small jewels which can only be glued.
My millinery background consists of working in the studio of designer Bob Mackie, speaking events about the art of millinery, and creating a line of hats for the Lupus Society fashion show. I also designed hats used to introduce a cosmetic makeup line for Isabel Sanford from the The Jeffersons TV comedy sitcom. In addition I been honored numerous times and worked with many other designers and organizations throughout the years.
I proudly started the first Compton California African American Chapter of the Red Hat Society about 2003 as well as starting hat-making classes at one of the community centers. I was honored to be a friend of and worked with Marilyn Bradford creator of the Forty Plus Modeling Troupe who passed April 16, 2019. RIP Marilyn. After moving south I was chosen by Jet magazine as a designer of the month. I am a member of the Red Hat Society and for several years presented mini hat making workshops at their conventions and other venues throughout the United States. I stand behind my products and look forward to earning your business. If you have other questions or comments do not hesitate to contact me kaydurdenusa@aim.com or telephone 318-792-5757. Thank you for visiting the site and have a great day.
Sincerely
Kay Durden
