My hats are inspired by a love of timeless feminine elegance, meticulously expressed at the highest level of craftsmanship.

I steam and block them by hand to create the silhouette, then make all my trimmings by hand.

I want them to be as beautiful in themselves as possible, but each hat come fully alive only when it has been discovered by the woman who should – and will – wear it. There is a hat for every face, it’s just a matter of mutual recognition.  

I began to “play with clay” about 25 years ago, and like to describe myself as an avocational potter. I have explored many forms of clay, including wheel throwing, hand building, high- and low fire, and many firing methods. At present I enjoy making naturalistic, colorful pots that teeter on the line between whimsical and funky (I prefer the latter).

Pauline Monson