PREVIEW: 2025-2026 COLLECTION

PREVIEW: 2025-2026 COLLECTION

Jan 13, 2025 | COLLECTIONS, FORM, NEW PRODUCTS, PREMIERE

Arturo Rios continues to evolves as an artist. His new collection continues to explore new palletes, reimagine classic forms and creatively present a modern form of millinery for 2025.

ABOUT HAT BLOCKS

A hat block, also known as a hat form or bashing block, is a wooden block carved into the shape of a hat by a craftsman known as a block shaper. It is used by hat makers and milliners to produce a hat. Today there are only a handful of block shapers left. In the United Kingdom, hat block making has been listed as an endangered craft by the Heritage Crafts Association, with three remaining hat block making businesses still in operation as of 2022.

EXCLUSIVE FORMS

Arturo has commisioned a series of custom hat blocks. These hand carved wooden blocks serve to mold the hat's material to retain its specific shape.

"I've created blocks specifically to reimagine two classic forms: the Pillbox and the asymmetrical Saucer or Disc form," Arturo says.

"The Pillbox Hat form is an eduring classic and serves as the base for so many great interpretations."

"Of course, the Asymmetrical Saucer form is an annual favorite at the Kentucky Derby and other events. They are wonderfully extravagant and eye-catching."

HANDMADE SILK FLOWERS

Arturo works directly with incredible artists in Eastern Europe who create our unique designs and colors for the upcoming collection.

All flowers are hand-dyed petal-by-petal to match the silk fabrics that cover the hats' base forms

read more about our silk flowers and how they're made >

FRESH PALETTES

This season puts forth a refined and distinguished pallete that expands on Arturo's playful use of color.
"I'm continually fascinated by flowers and draw my inspiration from the unlimited range of colors that nature creates."

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The Responsible Use of Feathers

The Responsible Use of Feathers

Oct 18, 2024 | ENVIRONMENT, HISTORY, MILLINERY, REFERENCE

The Sustainable Sourcing of Feathers

The use of feathers in millinery has a long history.

Feathers were first used to decorate hats in Europe in the early 14th century. By the 16th century, feathers were a popular accessory for the wealthy in fashion centers like Milan (from which "millinery" is derived) Paris, Vienna, Florence, and Prague. 
Feathers became more widespread in fashion in the late 18th century due to the Industrial Revolution, which made luxuries more accessible to the masses. Milliners, or hat makers, used new technology to create vibrant designs that added drama to women's fashion. Feathers became a status symbol and were produced on an industrial scale throughout the 1800s.
The demand for bird feathers grew to such a height that ostrich feathers were traded at twice their weight in gold in the late 1800s. The consequences of such unsustainable trade quickly decimated bird species valued for their feathers.

In 1896 the American socialite and amateur naturalist Harriet Hemenway and her cousin Minna Hall led a boycott of feathered hats which attracted 900 participants.The action led to the formation of the National Audubon Society and passage of the Weeks-McLean Law (the Migratory Bird Act), which outlawed market hunting and the interstate transport of birds.

the Lyrebird

the Egret

Egrets were almost extinct in the 1900s, hunted for their graceful, long, white feathers. Today, the bird is protected and their numbers have rebounded. Unfortunately, the Lyre bird in Australia did not meet a similar outcome and is still dangerously close to extinction.

All birds naturally shed their feathers about once a year. This is the preferred method of collection as it causes no stress on bird populations and is by far the most humane sourcing of exotic feathers. We work with local US farmers who raise white peacocks and collect the molted feathers. Exotic feathers from around the world are all purchased through permitted brokers who are fully compliant with domestic and international laws and conventions.

We currently source our feathers from a distributor in the US, who has the proper permits and strictly obeys regulation with the appropriate US agencies. These fathers are tightly controlled and we review the accuracy of their permitted use.
Our current collection of fascinators feature ostrich, goose, peacock and other rare species which are certified 100% cruelty-free and are sustainably gathered.

The ethics of down feathers are controversial, with some sourcing practices being inhumane, but ethically sourced and certified down is available. You can identify ethical down by looking for certifications like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) or Global Traceable Down Standard (GTDS), which ensure no live-plucking or force-feeding occurs and that animals are not harmed. Alternatively, you can choose products with recycled or pre-loved down, which avoids new animal welfare issues entirely.  

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"It is personally important to me that our feathers are used responsibly and sustainably to preserve their outstanding beauty and broad variety," says Arturo. "They inspire such beautiful designs. And they are truly a unique gift from Nature."
Arturo Rios

Further reading:

Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 

American Federation of Aviculture

Feather Folio (a fantastic artist)

Museums Victoria (Australia)

Audubon Society

Read about this outstanding organization, founded in 1905.

donate
Techniques: Silk Flowers

Techniques: Silk Flowers

Sep 12, 2024 | FORM, NEW PRODUCTS, TECHNIQUE

A signature touch of an AR hat is the use of handmade silk flowers created by fellow artists.

These flowers are created by individual artisans in Eastern Europe and are complex, intricate creations. Using centuries-old crafts, these flowers add a distinctive style to Arturo's collections.

Below, we've included a look at how some of the most recent flowers were created:

We think an educated client (never a "customer") is preferred. Arturo also believes in being generous with his knowkledge as others have been generous with theirs to him.

This article is part of our series that explores and celebrates different aspects of millinery. Arturo Rios has created new techniques, forms and modes of constructing the world's finest hats and he wants to share and open the discussion with you.

We welcome everyone to discover how millinery is expanding, changing and evolving. Let us know your thoughts!

 

Classic Forms

Millinery has a long history. In this series of posts, we delve deeper into the specifics of each type of hat. Pillboxes, fascinator and derby hats are just the beginning. And Arturo wants to assist in your discovery!

Techniques

Hat-making has it's own vocabulary; definitions, terms, slang. We're here to talk about the components that make great hats.

Colors

Arturo has a unique sense of flowers. He also uses his deep understanding of how colors work and how they influence us.

Classic Forms: Fascinators

Classic Forms: Fascinators

Aug 18, 2024 | CLASSIC FORMS COLLECTION, FORM, HISTORY, REFERENCE, ROYALS

Fascinators have a brief history. Originally, the term was coined by Stephen Jones in the 70s.

In part, the term comes from the way fascinators are attached to the head, that is, fastened by a ribbon or a clip.

But that wasn’t all that Jones had in mind when coming up with the name for his new hats. He was thinking about calling these headpieces something whimsical that would describe their uniqueness and extravagance.

The fastening part played a role, as it reminded him of the word “fascinating.” Hence, a fascinator.

Source: Gold Coast Couture

“The drama and pure folly of fascinators make them unique in millinery.” Arturo states. “They very literally are the crowning touch to a truly outstanding style choice. Fascinators are not just for royal events and derbies. They are very good choices for formal events, daytime social gatherings and weddings.” 

An Elegant Focal Point

The purpose of a fascinator is not about function; fashion and style are the key points. Fascinators offer little or no protection from the elements as compared to other hats. They exist simply to be fabulous. They draw the eye, focus others’ attention and do so elegantly and with style. Fascinators exist simply to, well, fascinate.

Untethered by boring functions, these hats can soar and push boundaries. They can be stunningly complex or simply frivolous; diminutive or monumental in size. The appeal is broad. The Royals have taken a liking to them. Brides adore them. Socialites and celebrities have a keen interest in them.

 

It was named in the 1960s, re-emerged with heightened artistry in the late 70s, and today is worn by both royals and the fashion forward. It traces back through the centuries, perhaps to the moment in the 1770s when on a whim Marie Antoinette planted some feathers—ostrich and peacock—into her pomaded hair. It may go back further still, to the first female hominid who saw something beguiling—a fern frond, a butterfly wing—and stuck it on her head, well, fascinatingly.

A Brief History of Fascinators: Vanity Fair

Fascinators also allow an individual’s style to break traditional millinery boundaries. “They’re also just fun to wear,” Arturo states. “Each fascinator is a personal statement.”

A select gallery of current fascinators from Arturo Rios’ 2024-2025 Collection.

We think an educated client (never a "customer") is preferred. Arturo also believes in being generous with his knowkledge as others have been generous with theirs to him.

This article is part of our series that explores and celebrates different aspects of millinery. Arturo Rios has created new techniques, forms and modes of constructing the world's finest hats and he wants to share and open the discussion with you.

We welcome everyone to discover how millinery is expanding, changing and evolving. Let us know your thoughts!

 

Classic Forms

Millinery has a long history. In this series of posts, we delve deeper into the specifics of each type of hat. Pillboxes, fascinator and derby hats are just the beginning. And Arturo wants to assist in your discovery!

Techniques

Hat-making has it's own vocabulary; definitions, terms, slang. We're here to talk about the components that make great hats.

Colors

Arturo has a unique sense of flowers. He also uses his deep understanding of how colors work and how they influence us.

Classic Forms: Saucers

Classic Forms: Saucers

Aug 6, 2024 | CLASSIC FORMS COLLECTION, COLLECTIONS, FORM, HISTORY, REFERENCE

The saucer form ("disc form" is a slight variation) in millinery is relatively new. The style can be traced to a trend in widening the brim of the hat to create a distinct profile while accommodating increasingly dramatic and sophisticated adornments such as silk flowers, archetectural elements and a widening assortment of structural elements and accessories.

Arturo is experimenting with this form in detail while constructing his upcoming collection:

"Saucers are one of my favorite base forms to play with. The expansive shape is very dramatic. When I use bright colors and adorn the hat with equally colorful, fun accessories, they're a great choice for daytime events. If using more subdued colors and more discreet decorative items like silk flowers, crystals or feathers, they do make a stunning and elegant choice for more sophisticated evening and formal occasions."

Arturo Rios

We think an educated client (never a "customer") is preferred. Arturo also believes in being generous with his knowkledge as others have been generous with theirs to him.

This article is part of our series that explores and celebrates different aspects of millinery. Arturo Rios has created new techniques, forms and modes of constructing the world's finest hats and he wants to share and open the discussion with you.

We welcome everyone to discover how millinery is expanding, changing and evolving. Let us know your thoughts!

 

Classic Forms

Millinery has a long history. In this series of posts, we delve deeper into the specifics of each type of hat. Pillboxes, fascinator and derby hats are just the beginning. And Arturo wants to assist in your discovery!

Techniques

Hat-making has it's own vocabulary; definitions, terms, slang. We're here to talk about the components that make great hats.

Colors

Arturo has a unique sense of flowers. He also uses his deep understanding of how colors work and how they influence us.