Los Angeles - January 13, 2010

Keep a Lid on It

Bijou Van Ness Hats Debut

You’re always the first to throw your hat into the ring.

But you might find this one from Bijou Van Ness just too nice to toss.

Los Angeles-based Rehn Dudukgian’s new line of made-to-order ladylike toppers is inspired by English and French millinery and the designer’s mother’s couture collection from the ’60s.

Sunny days call for parasisal or sinamay straw in the form of the classic wide-brimmed Voyager or Napoleon Je T’aime, a slouchy number finished with a cluster of WWII-era Japanese brooches. After dark, don a cheeky little cocktail chapeau like the Riviera Rose or a subtle, sophisticated Night Cap — wool felt on a figure-eight frame.

And if you’re still looking for a fedora, you’ll find it, too. Dudukgian styled her feminine version after a fictional ex-boyfriend’s from parasisal straw and grosgrain ribbon.

We just wanted to give you a heads-up.

Available online at bijouvanness.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Bijou Van Ness

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