In the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, Amina Hood has made her mark as a prominent hat designer, blending luxury and artistry into each piece she creates. Although her journey into the world of millinery was unexpected, it was born from a blend of passion for textiles and an eye for design.
"Becoming a hat designer was never my original plan; it just unfolded naturally.”
With a background in luxury retail, she found herself unexpectedly creating a hat for a friend in need. Little did she know, that moment would spark a passion that would define her career.
Amina's career in Kansas City began a decade ago, marked by an inaugural show at First Fridays in the Crossroads. This event ignited her ambition to expand her business within the vibrant art community.
"I am eternally appreciative of Kansas City and the arts community for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in my journey as a creative entrepreneur.”
Amina describes her design style as "relaxed luxury, with meticulous attention to detail and superior textiles”. Her professional training as a couture milliner continues to set her creations apart from others in the industry. Her hats have graced the pages of fashion publications such as Vogue and L'Officiel, in addition to being showcased in the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When it comes to materials, Amina believes sourcing those of the highest quality is the first step to designing an exceptional hat. She often finds inspiration from her global travels and is dedicated to finding the finest natural materials, such as silk, wool, and Panama straw. These materials not only ensure the beauty of the hats but also their longevity and craftsmanship.
Amina's designs are also deeply influenced by cultural and historical elements. Recently tasked with designing a hat for a short film set in the late 1800s, she immersed herself in research to ensure accuracy and authenticity. The result was a stunning silk top hat that she describes to have “perfectly captured the essence and style of the era”, again, showcasing her commitment to excellence in every project.
Running a millinery business comes with its unique challenges such as the lack of suppliers and materials, especially in the Midwest.
“The scarcity of millinery materials in Kansas City makes it difficult to find what I need locally, often resulting in urgent overnight shipments from New York City.”
Despite the late nights and shipping fees, Amina remains committed to timeless design, coupled with her unique eye, of which sets her apart in an industry that often revolves around temporary trends.
One of her most memorable experiences is being chosen as a member of the US Milliners Guild and participating in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition showcasing the history of rock and roll.
“Each member was asked to create a hat inspired by the theme, and my design was a punk-inspired mohawk hat made of leather. The mohawk was fashioned with wire drum brushes, giving the hat an edgy, rock-and-roll feel.”
Looking ahead, Amina is excited about expanding her wholesale business into new domestic and international markets, all while dipping into the equestrian dressage market, and designing pieces tailored towards enthusiasts. This being said, her native vision remains the same.
“As our business continues to grow, I am committed to providing customers worldwide with creative, exceptional hat designs and tandem products of the highest quality.”
Upholding her mark on the world of hat design, her dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and artistic expression remains unwavering. Through her hats, she not only adorns heads but also weaves stories of elegance and sophistication, making her a true artisan in the world of fashion.
