Annie de Vuono
Websites: deVuono Hats
Bio Data
Born and raised in Chicago, dance was de Vuono's first love. The influence costumes had on her led to her passion for headdresses. Her millinery skills developed costuming for dance and theatre companies, followed by numerous private commissions.
Complete Bio
Experience
Title: Expert in Customized Hats and Headwear
Occupation: Hat Designer
Industry: Fashion & Apparel
Sub-Industry: Millinery
Experience Area: Ms. deVuono has been an exceptional designer of millinery for over 25 years. Each of de Vuono's hats is impeccably and individually constructed. In remaining true to the time-honored tradition of making millinery, every piece is created and stitched completely by hand. From cutting, dying, and blocking, to making each leaf and petal, every detail and decoration is born in her Seattle studio.
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Latest Blogs »
Annie deVuono on deVuono Hats April 25 2011
My business is small – I started in 1986 with Fascinators and I’ve been hatting ever since.
Like so many businesses I did see an enormous drop in sales a few years ago. I’m doing far less
wholesaling now but because I’m dedicated to unique creations people still look to me for something
exquisite or very personal.
A couple of years ago we saw a resurgence in the tiny hat, not just elegant fascinators but, simple
hair ornaments on headbands or clips. I believe this is in direct correlation to our current financial
situation, like the period during WWII when hats got very small. Although now it is not so much a
reflection of lack of materials but, more a reflection of not being able to afford the materials or not
wanting to look ostentatious. Beautiful detail makes up for size. People still want to adorn
themselves to define their personal style or make a statement, and headwear is the one piece of
clothing likely to have the largest effect on this narration.
My passion for hats begins with their function but, I also love that they draw attention up. You make
eye contact with those around you when you wear a hat. I’ve chosen headwear as the medium I work
with as an artist – although I do create hats for stores. Creating millinery is a big responsibility –
maintaining a tradition of perfect balance, beauty, technique and precision craftsmanship.
Being an artist is also a big responsibility. If I’m going to depict an opinion or idea on a hat, how do
I access the public? This opened a wide chasm of curiosity for me… the need to know stuff to give
my wearable art integrity. I’ve created works to wear on the head with themes ranging from the
environment, women’s issues, cultural boundaries, gun control and the occupation of Iraq. Currently
I’m rolling around the idea of how to depict the blood bath our government so often leaves in its wake.