New York-based milliner Albertus Swanepoel crafts the ultimate toppers for any stylish summer outfit.
Hatmaker extraordinaire Albertus Swanepoel
Both chic and pragmatic, a hat is essential wearing for these sun-drenched days of summer. And for Chicago style queen Ikram Goldman, there’s no better maker of fedoras, cloches, bucket hats and more than Albertus Swanepoel. The South African-born New Yorker has been a milliner to the stars for 15 years and counting, having worked with designers like DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang, and Goldman has been a fan for almost as long.
Chicago fashion guru Ikram Goldman.
“Albertus does the most fun hats,” the boutique owner enthuses. “From straw to beautiful cashmere felt, each one is just the perfect size for the head. When you go into the summer season, everyone needs a great hat, and he is really the best person for them. They’re light and easily packable, and I’m a big fan of his work.” Goldman raves about Swanepoel’s use of high-quality fabrics, his workmanship and his use of color, but what she’s most impressed with is the fit. “They shape the face beautifully; it takes a fine eye to be able to do that. To me it’s all about the proportions, and when you have a designer like Albertus who understands proportions, it makes it easier to collect in your wardrobe.” Best of all? “He’s a seasoned designer, which lends to a more refined and sophisticated feel to the collection. If you want to be stylish and cool while still protecting your skin, this is the way to go.” 15 E. Huron St.
Photography by: FROM TOP, PHOTO BY FALYN HUANG; PHOTO BY MARIA PONCE BERRE
