Hats by Selima Atelier

Profile

Eyewear maven Selima Salaun is best known for her standout specs, but after dabbling in millinery, she and partner Virginie Promeyrat launched this full line of men’s and women’s headwear in March 2009. The pair brought on milliner Lopeti Etu and set up shop in the sprawling, two-story basement of Bond 07 by Selima, decking the exposed-brick walls with a smattering of hat hooks and topping mannequins with flamboyant netted and feathered styles. Drawers in a tall wooden dresser are filled with ribbons, feathers, tulle, jewelry, beads, and buttons. The hats come in seven models (five unisex, two for women only), from classic banded fedoras to one-of-a-kind couture top hats embellished in vintage chains and brooches. Summer styles are woven from various types of straw and horsehair, while winter versions are crafted from velour, felt, or beaver fur. Classic cloche and capeline styles are updated with modern twists, like straw dyed striking shades of turquoise, rose, and lavender, and hatbands draped with fine braids of horsehair. In addition to the dozens of ready-to-wear hats adorning the walls, racks, and display cases, the atelier offers customized, built-to-fit versions for no extra charge. — Lauren Murrow