Put a hat on it

WORDS: Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly

South African-born and New York-based Albertus Swanepoel is now one of the world’s leading milliners. VISI spoke to him on the occasion of the launch of his new collection at Target, due to go on sale 30 October.

The limited-edition and affordable Albertus Swanepoel for Target range will be sold at all stores and on www.target.com until 22 December 2011.

I design hats because I truly love it. I love the craft, the hands-on quality and because it’s better than being a dentist.

Living in New York is like taking drugs: it has its highs and lows. (Not that I’ve done drugs… sadly so!)

My favourite hat is a hat Adrian designed in 1938 – it was witty, sophisticated and daring.  

I once bought a hat that was designed by Schiaparelli. It’s the only vintage hat I have. I don’t collect old hats or buy hats for inspiration.

Hats are in fashion…because hats make fashion! They give you instant character, status and modernity (I hope.) 

The designers I admire are Christian Lacroix for his Couture, Junya Watanabe, Rei Kawakubo, John Galliano, Hussein Chalayan and Stephen Jones.

Anna Wintour is supportive and admirable and I’m a very big fan. She could run for president if she wanted to.

The moment that most changed my life was being a first runner-up in the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Awards in 2008. And coming out at a late age.

When in South Africa I go to the Kruger National Park, eat biltong and koeksisters and see my wonderful friends there.

The worst hat is probably yet to come. Anything with too many bows or crinoline scares me.

I love shopping because I’d rather cry in the back of a Rolls Royce than on a bicycle.

I always give my honest opinion when asked.

The last gift I received was a wooden tray from the 40s from France.

I have a friend who once said: “S#*t, or get off the pot!” It helped me.

My most precious possession is my cat, Pookers.

There’s a chair that I love designed by Carlo Bugatti.

Favourite websites? Sorry, but I’m a bit of a luddite. I still prefer magazines.

The best meal I’ve ever eaten will probably be my last meal. Hope it comes with champagne.

About the collection:

Target is partnering with designer Albertus Swanepoel to introduce an affordable, limited-edition hat collection. The Albertus Swanepoel for Target collection includes 14 colorful and stylish hats for women that feature a blend of vintage appeal mixed with details such as feathers and ribbon. The pieces are each priced at $19.99 and will be available from 30 October to 22 December at all Target stores and on www.Target.com. The collection includes fedoras, cloches and floppies in solid felt, printed felt and faux fur.

About Albertus:

Before beginning his millinery career, Albertus was a fashion designer in South Africa with his own label, Quartus Manna. Upon moving to New York, he studied millinery under Janine Galiamard, who worked at Balenciaga in the 1950s, and some of his first work was constructing hats for hat-maker Lola and theatrical Broadway shows.

After a brief stint as Style Editor at Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, he began collaborating with fashion designers including Carolina Herrera, Alexander Wang and Narciso Rodriguez for their New York Fashion Week shows. His own collection of headwear is currently sold at retailers like Barneys, Kirna Zabete and Steven Alan. In 2008 Albertus was a recipient of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award and in 2009 he was nominated for the CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Designer of the Year.

More information: www.target.com, http://albertusswanepoel.com