The HatsOnly experience
I launched HatsOnly in 2013 as I was frustrated in not being able to adequately express my individuality regarding London venue and club dress code restrictions. It was here that the idea for an inclusive, fun hat-themed experience came to fruition. HatsOnly has grown from an intimate gathering in an old London basement to celebrity hot spots and members clubs across Asia, Europe, and the United States, lending itself to several settings, including after-parties, art exhibitions, private dinner parties, in-store installations, and celebrity engagements creating cultural excitement around brands.
After a decade, HatsOnly is one of the most unique experiences that bring different creatives, cultures, and communities together from all over the world, united by the power of human connection, and diverse thinking. Coming together to celebrate individuality, and form genuine relationships. As a result, this shared belief is reflected in the different styles, textures, and shapes of hats you see at each event. Every hat is unique and has its own story; guests are encouraged to express themselves through their hat, and the outcome of this is pretty incredible. At my most recent event, I spotted a sushi-inspired headpiece, a colorful top hat, a 4ft wide-brimmed hat, and a variety of custom-millinery headpieces. Through these unique experiences, I can bring the old-age artisanal craft of millinery to life through multi-sensory hat-themed installations, including a live custom ‘hat-making’ hat bar, a branded content studio, surprise live music performances, and masterclass workshops.
HatsOnly is an immersive hat-themed brand activation (Hativation) and cultural platform for hat enthusiasts and creatives alike. An intimate but inclusive experience helping brands form deeper connections with consumers through authentic storytelling, impactful campaigns, strategic partnerships, and unique experiences blending creativity and strategy grounded in consumer insight to drive growth for their business. The success of HatsOnly has helped me represent the headwear industry and has provided me with the opportunity to work with a variety of influential brands and talents. Including British Royal Warrant holders Lock Hatters, LA-based celebrity hat designer Nick Fouquet, hat enthusiast and global icon Erykah Badu, host a US hat tour with American hat chain Goorinbros, and help increase the awareness for the Brain Tumor research charity ‘Wear A Hat Day’ campaign.
In a world where we communicate more but interact less, I’m glad HatsOnly is designed to provide a space for creatives to connect, form new communities, and create new businesses. A collective escapism for people who really value human connection, and respect one another, an experience that educates and inspires. My passion for supporting emerging hat-makers has deepened my desire to help niche creatives get their voices heard and their work seen. For me, the actual value in HatsOnly is what my guests take away from the experience, some leave inspired to either start or return to an old hobby, and other creatives go empowered to turn their hobby into a career. It’s been a fun journey and I want to continue to create a space that makes people feel seen, heard, and feel like they belong.
I am working on my next series of HastOnly experiences this year, so have your hat ready!
