Jasmin Zorlu’s hats are heavenly. I first discovered them on a runway at a fashion show in San Francisco and knew that if I ever came into money, I’d run, not walk, to install her art atop my head.
Jasmin grew up in Germany, Italy, Turkey, Japan, and Iceland, and learned to design as a child watching her father’s tricks at the sewing machine. She took advantage of Icelandic winters to play with shapes and fabric draped around her body and head, which prompted her toward a career in millinery.
After a sold out line at Barneys New York, and commissions for Erykah Badu, Jasmin is in the process of setting up her new workspace in San Francisco and designing and selling a special line of caps for the San Francisco-based Goorin Brothers hat company. Now I can spend my days trying on her fur felt or fish-skin suede hats and my nights dreaming of her spring line of Parasisal straw hats. Ooh maybe I’ll even have one custom made ...
I think the Aquanaut Cloche ($298), made with fish skin suede and lined in organza is one I would have made for an art opening gala or to a gritty rock show to jazz up my outfit.
The Molecular Mermaid Helmet ($768) made with cream velour felt and custom made to order, is perfect to wear with a bright coat on a cold day when the sun is still shining. It could also make a stunning bridal statement.
Photographer: Kristin Brynn-Costello
Stylist: Katya Sknarina
The Deconstructed Helmet ($398) has a double visor and mixes the velour fur felt with the fish skin suede. Lined in satin, it is a one-of-a-kind design. Colors are Brilliant Red, Ruby Red, and Fuchsia in velour felt. I think I might feel brilliant if I wore this design to a wedding. Although this is a one-of-a-kind design, Jasmin is happy to work with you to make something similar.
The Cha Cha Cocktail Hat ($128) in dusty blue and olive, made with velour fur felt and three-inch grosgrain ribbon, is perfect to make a statement while walking into a room where you don’t know a soul. I imagine that within moments, I would know most in the room—or at least, they’d all want to know me!
Photographer: Craig Cook
Model: Ana Paola
