O'Lover Hats

Elwyn Craword, designer O'Lover Hats is a result of the immense respect I have for the transformational ability that a single hat possesses. I have been drawn to hats, since I was in high school, not only because of the frequency with which I have bad hair days, but also because I have seen over and over how they are able to amplify the self-assuredness of the one who dons this historically ubiquitous and functional fashion accessory. As a sixteen year old, I wore a barret, but soon began borrowing my father's Stetson's. His collection from various vintage shops around the country, made me aware of the durability of hats through time and I began to think of each hat as having a life of its own.

I find vintage hats that have been dulled by years of neglect and lost the vivacious flare they once allowed their owner. It is their history and potential that inspires me to give them a new life. I like to think of it as a hat rescue program, finding new heads for stray hats. Furthermore, there are too many new things produced everyday. Our world's landfills are overflowing. Thus, O'Lover Hats is also about recycling and reuse.

As a collage and mixed media artists I approach each hat as sculpture, a unique piece of wearable art. I take time with the hat, experimenting with different shapes and trimmings, colors and textures to determine what each piece truly needs to max out its aplomb. Since I offer my own flamboyance to my work, I know the people attracted to O'Lover Hats will be self-confident and have a good sense of humor.