B, D, F, V at Broadway-Lafayette St.; 6 at Bleecker St.
Payment Methods
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Product Guide
Accessories
Men's Hats
Women's Hats
Special Features
Bespoke
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
6.5
"Recommended" Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10
As a huge fan of Selima's eye glasses(I own three pairs!) I went in to shop for a hat with much excitement. Unfortunately these hats didn't live up to my expectations. They look as if someone bought a hat on the street for $30 and hot glued garage sale jewelry and craft feathers to them. I am confused why someone with Selima's eye and fashion savvy would utilize such garish color combinations as well as actually use glue on a $250-$300 hat. I still love the idea of Selima doing hats and hope that next season they might be a bit more original with more of her unexpected flair and better quality.
The Hats by Selima Atelier is a truly unique experience. I was able to create my own vision along with their designers, and together we found the perfect shape hat for my face and head. I customized the color, trim and even picked through a huge drawer of trinkets and found a gorgeous art deco brooch to add to the hat band. Such a fun experience, and now I'll feel confident wearing a hat because it's truly me. Much improved from the shabby vintage hat I found upstate!
Highly recommend this hidden basement workshop...it's inside BOND 07 by Selima, beyond the punk rock Mudhoney salon and down the stairs. Such nice, creative energy!
Bravo, Selima!