"A hat is not just a piece of clothing, it's a work of art that has the power to change how a person feels and looks."
— Nina Garcia
Nina Garcia, Elle magazine's editor-in-chief and longtime Project Runway judge, has spent decades evaluating design and craftsmanship. When she calls a hat a work of art, she is speaking from real authority. And she is absolutely right.
"Every hat I make involves sculpting, colour theory, textile selection, and an understanding of the human form. It is art that you wear on your head and take into the world."
— Kathryn Lee
And like all great art, a hat has the power to change how you see yourself. I have watched women put on a hat in my studio and visibly stand taller, smile wider, and carry themselves with a new kind of energy. That transformation is real, and it happens every single time.
What Makes a Hat Art?
Worth Knowing
Garcia was born in Colombia and began her career at Elle before becoming fashion director at Marie Claire. She returned to Elle as editor-in-chief in 2022. Her eye for design has made her one of the most trusted voices in fashion, and her endorsement of millinery as art carries genuine weight.
