An avid hat lover her entire life, Teressa Foglia dreamed of starting her own collection for years. After booking a one-way ticket to Europe, she discovered a millinery course in the South of France, then learned how to make hats in the studio with a renowned milliner from London. She later established her first collection in her home state of New York and recently opened a store in Malibu, California where she carries her unique handmade designs.

Inspired by her travels to more than 35 countries, Foglia’s hats serve as a physical recreation of her travel journal that has been transformed into wearable art. Every hat is made to measure with the finest materials and no two hats are ever created the same. Designed to last forever, consciously-sourced fur felts and Ecuadorian/Panama straws are used with handmade leather sweatbands, silk interior liners, and vintage trimmings from around the world. All hats are made to order and Foglia also offers customers the opportunity to come back and redesign their hats.

We chatted with Foglia, who discussed the unique concept behind her one-of-a-kind creations, the brand’s sustainability and environmental impact, and more.

When was Teressa Foglia founded?

December 2017.

What inspired its creation?

A love for hats—it was a passion project.

Tell us more about your designs and what makes them unique.

Every hat is handmade and one-of-a-kind using the highest quality of ethically sourced materials. Color combinations and unique trim details from trips around the world make each a bit more special than the next.

How long does it take to make a hat?

Custom hat orders currently take 3-4 weeks.

Where are your products sold?

In our two brick-and-mortar stores in Malibu and NYC, Bergdorf Goodman in NYC, Azulik in Tulum, Boon in Paris, Van de Vort in San Diego, Wyld Blue in Montauk, Matriark in Sag Harbor, Skyview Hotel in Los Olivos, Le Board in NYC, and Ludivine in NYC.

Do you make anything else besides hats?

Together with my partner, Tyler Hays Wild, we create art and collaborate on installations, bags, and bespoke clothing.

What's next for the brand?

We're launching our new beach line, which is inspired by simple and elevated straw hats we've started from our new store in Malibu. We’ll offer more bespoke clothing and we'll be traveling a lot more in 2020 to bring the custom hat-making experience to our favorite cities.

Anything else you'd like us to know?

A huge aspect of our brand is sustainability. Three primary suppliers account for 75 percent of our raw materials—two of them are the third generation in their business working with fair trade wages, working conditions and workers rights. We know every supplier and have seen all aspects of their supply chain, including factory tours in various countries. We support sustainable livelihoods in Ecuador, Canada, Czech Republic, three states in North America, and multiple families in New York City.

As a studio, we’re committed to no plastic in our day-to-day living, including bringing our own plates and coffee cups for meals at work. We have a zero waste for all fabrics in our studio, and excess materials are donated to local universities and kids programs. We also really believe in supporting our community. We have donated more than 100 hats to silent auctions and charities, and give back to our partners throughout the year.

For more information and to purchase, visit teressafoglia.com and follow her on Instagram: @teressafoglia

[Images courtesy of Teressa Foglia]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk