Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!!!


Hi Everyone!!!

I want to thank you for a wonderful year!!!! This was the best year yet for Lisa Battaglia and I would like to personally thank you for following my blog!!!! I really appreciate your support!!! I hope you have had a successful year as well both personally and professionally!

Here is to you, my customers and fans!!!

All the best to you and Happy New Year!!!!


LB xo ;)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The allure of being anonymous.....


I love this pic! It depicts a certain anonymous allure that goes with the art of hat wearing!!! Dressing and style isn't always about having the most trendy item but the art of putting the wardrobe together. I have always been an accessories girl.... LUV them!!!! I mix old and new and always add a staple accessory piece in the mix. It depends upon your mood! What are you feeling??? Listen to yourself. Dressing really is about inner expression! It can be mood elevating. The hat just adds a little umphhhhhh!!! Try it!!!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Crinkled hats!


Here is a hat I found that exemplifies my inspiration for the collections I design! The lines and curves in the hat are what my hats are all about. I have yet to design a collection of fabric hats. Most of the hats I design are straws and velour felts. The beauty of the hat is that it can be worn in a myriad of ways! There is no front and back to the hat. The asymmetry lets the user play with her own features to highlight her assets. This allows you to wear the same hat with a totally different look each time you wear the hat! Now, that my dear is very clever!!! It is all about... H-attitude!!!

Thanks for reading!!! LB xxxooo ;))))))


Monday, December 13, 2010

More Flat- top, Stingy Brim Freeform-Style Fedoras!!!

Flat-top fedora, Stingy brim... Freeform-Style!!!! All the Rage!
















Hi Everyone! It's that time of year to whip out your flat-top, stingy brim fedora for the holidays! This year I did it Freeform-Style! It is so cool! I am loving this hat! I may have to design one for myself before I leave for the holidays! Antique Gold with grey grosgrain trimming.... LUSCIOUS! I will take custom orders for this hat as well! These hats are rockin' my world!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Thrift Shop and Shabby Chic finds!

I can honestly say some of my BEST finds and style influencers have been found right there at the flea markets and thrift shops. Having come from Western New York in my 20's, I could always find the coolest and latest shops to scout. I cannot wait to get back up there to scour and investigate the newest shops and thrift stores in the area. It has been a year since I have been back. I think the most interesting thing about this way of shopping is that you never know what you are going to find. The small towns are the best place to do this. There is a certain kind of adventurous spirit that comes with this kind of shopping and it is definitely the thrill of the hunt. Once before entering FIT in NY, right before I entered their millinery program I entered my craft hats in a show on Park Avenue and noticed someone had placed a bunch of blocks outside their "Arts and Crafts" home on the Avenue. I could KICK myself now!!!! Not realizing what they were at the time, I use them everyday in my trade! I cannot say that I am fortunate in NY to find these sweet deals but I am always taking trips by internet or by car to find the thrift shop. Hey they even have a show now for the "American Picker" but I have to say my version is much more stylish and savvy!!! Stay tuned for my next adventure!!! LB xxooo ;))))

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Crimson skies

Walking home from the train I looked at the sky and enjoyed the sunset with it's varying shades of crimson. I love this color this time of year. I am particularly drawn to the shade of red orange. Color is very important to me.... and now in the winter months when the sunlight is less and colors are rare. The world around me is a very colorful world and even in the depths of winter it becomes even more so important. I am also drawn to the color sconce gold. I work in a room filled with this color. With the holiday decorations in place, I am surrounded by platinum, silver, gold and sconce gold. These are my colors of the moment! Enjoy!!! LB ;)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Inspiration in architecture!































Design and architecture go hand in hand! Today I find myself walking in my neighborhood just
indulged in the architectural landscape that brought me here! I love the diversity of houses here and the old architecture. I feel right at home. Even in winter this place seems magical. How did I end up here? It is like a storybook ending.... Being in fashion, aesthetics are very important but somehow I never imagined living in the suburbs. I have found my best of both lives here, city girl meets village existence! I accept it and find inspiration in the moment and the beauty of my surroundings. Need I mention I am only a 35 commute to the city! I live the best here with the city in close proximity and the beauty of a small village surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush landscape.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Vintage hat of the moment!


I'm in love with this vintage hat with the oversized crown in this picture! It is smokin'! I may have to resurrect this number! I love vintage hats!!! It is a part of the past that keeps me creating the future! I love all things vintage! It was a time when craftsmanship was really valued! Nowadays, we live in a culture which is all about fast fashion and made in China. We have really lost all appreciation for what is quality or so it seems. It is all about aesthetics to me and how we present ourselves! A hat says a lot about the person. It has a character all of it's own. When choosing a hat remember these words! Your hat will leave a lasting impression!

Monday, November 29, 2010

The beauty of handmade!

I entertained a house full of guests this past week! The house was full and lively, something I tend to cherish this time of year! My mom brought a scarf set for my daughter that a friend of her's had hand knitted! It was adorable.... then it really dawned on me how special it was because it was made just for my daughter and the thought that my mom's friend had knitted it especially for her. Gifts like this are rare, especially with mass produced being the norm.

My hats are all handmade and entirely handstitched. The creases and folds are unique and asymmetrical because they are all handsculpted! That makes them special and really unlike any other hats you see in the marketplace. Other milliners use preformed blocks in hat shapes and use sewing machines to stitch the headsweats in place. I use a pick stitch to hand sew in each headsweat to the hat. All of these qualities constitute each hat as a one of a kind. The time and effort that goes into a hat is really what sets the hats apart. It is the season that makes me reflect on the true meaning of handcrafted and handmade which is what I am truly about.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Apre' Ski hats!

It's time to get your ski groove on! I am rocking a cool skiing fedora with brushed metal chains! I am ready to hit the slopes hard with this chic hat! The girls in the rockin' hats will be sporting my new hats! Get ready to party!!!!!!!!! xxxxxxx LB ;)

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Meet Peacock and Indigo!


I used to love all dark colors and something lately has me singing the shades of Peacock and Indigo! I am in love with these colors! Recently, Winkworth in Red Hook, Brooklyn commissioned me to design hats in these shades using Susie's (co-owner of Winkworth) mother's/grandmother's trimmings! These trimmings are the findings of a fine Scottish woman! Hopefully these hats will make her proud! Enjoy the sneak peak of the "Buttercup" hats coming soon to Winkworth Brooklyn, 119 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, NY(718) 243-2296

Saturday, November 13, 2010

The Swanky Bowler!


I have added a classic to my collection! The bowler hat is making me swoon! Neat and classic and oh so austere! This hat is hot! I was commissioned by Sadie, a boutique in NJ to design this little number and I have to say.... it is smokin..... LOVE this hat! This makes a great holiday gift for your special someone! I am doing black with black grosgrain and grey with grey grograin! I will take special orders for this hat in any color combination! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this hat..... I promise you will too!!!!!! LB ;)

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Inspiration of the day!



Today inspiration comes from these pictures and my recent shopping trip through NYC! I found some bracelets made in India which were made out of different studs in all different types of metal. Most of the bracelets were chunky but had different textures and shapes of metal studs! I will post a picture soon! Here are pictures from a fashion shoot that were published in Elle Mexico. I love the styling of these pictures! The hats, clothing and architecture are just amazing! Enjoy!!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Milliner's Critique

I am not only a milliner but also a stylist with an eye for style, proportion and color. Originally, I wanted to be a fashion designer but started my career later in life that millinery made more sense to me. Esthetically, architecturally and sculpturally I started reinventing the classic hat shapes! I found that as a milliner I was not limited to traditional shapes and patterns. The freeform blocking technique became my art form.

Today, I enjoy reshaping and even reinventing the traditional shapes. I find that the hat that is well suited to a face needs the eye of a well-trained milliner. It used to be that people were afraid to wear hats, that they didn't like the attention or felt hats didn't look good on them. I find that proportion and shapes are very critical and I bet that even the most savvy customer will find a hat and style from the collection that they will feel comfortable in and will suit their face shape. Remember when selecting a hat, proportion, shape and color are critical!!! Hope to see you soon in an LB hat!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Cool Autumn wear!


It finally turned brisk on us... after a sweet transition of seasons! It is time to dust off the vintage cape hanging in the closet! If you can get your hands on a tweed cape even better! reds, camels, khaki, muted greens! Luscious! I am thinking if it isn't too cold, I can pair my cape with the Renaissance in putty color! Suede platform boots in camel to finish the look! If it is chilly wear don this Swinger! It's time to head to the winery or take a trip to Pennsylvania border to check out the antique shops! Just don't forget your hat!


Friday, October 8, 2010

Camel is the color for Au '10


Autumn colors are here!!! I find this season to be so inspirational! I love the orange, gold and camel hues of the season.... yum... think chestnut, pumpkin, squash!

Pair these colors with the "Buttercup" and you are sure to feel renewed for the season! This hat in particular suites most shaped faces and is a very versatile hat! I wore it today and my supplier was so complimentary of the hat!

The "Buttercup" is one of my signature hats and will remain a part of the collection!

Happy Fall!

xxxooo LB ;)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

We are BUZZING about in some FAB toppers!!!!


There is a BUZZ.... It's October and autumn is in the air!!!! It is HAT weather! If you have be-friended me on FB you can feel the BUZZ! I invite all women to unite and wear a hat.... Girl Power!!!!! Hats are "hot" and you will feel empowered when you don your topper!

Today, I wore this dandy!! Page Boy! Love this hat! This is absolutely perfect for this October weather and the shape is suitable for most shaped faces! Dress this hat up or dress it down! You cannot go wrong with this very versatile look..... More hats to come!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Getting Glam for Tommorrow!


I will be dressed in my Sunday best tomorrow as I prepare the pork tenderloin with all of it's fixings for the first of many family gatherings! I have even prepared my garb for the Sunday feast! I will be wearing a this black little number with my black vintage dress! Tis the season! I don't even have to decorate the house because Mr. Spider decided to weave his web to the right of the door! However, I didn't forget the Thanksgiving wreath on the outside of the door. It looks divine. Tonight we added the finishing touches to the dining room with a potted plant to match my decor and the picture of me from my childhood reframed in a gold leaf frame..... I am so pleased! Tomorrow I will post pictures of inspiration for the day's event! For now... here is the little black number I will be wearing!

Friday, October 1, 2010

It's Autumn... It's October.... It is time to wear a hat!

I am empowered today! I have been so lucky to meet some pretty amazing women in my community just recently! My calling in life has always been about style and fashion and I feel empowered to inform women about dressing and how to wear a hat. Many women believe they can't wear hats which is untrue. It is my job to let you know that there is a hat for you! Depending upon your shape of face and stature, my hats are not the traditional shapes you are used to seeing. Each crease , fold , height of the crown, shape of the brim, when carefully sought can frame your face like a portrait. It is my duty to make this happen for you and bring out the best of you! Women feel empowered and wear a hat! xxxoooo LB;)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Being a milliner makes me proud!


I am proud to be a professional milliner and to have been published in Vogue! Check it out!!!

http://blog.condenaststore.com/2010/09/01/archive-feature-hats-in-vogue-a-milliners-view-video/

Here is my work that was published in Vogue circa 2004!


Monday, September 20, 2010

Sp '11 Collection

We are excited to present the Sp '11 collection to you! We have new styling with metal chains adorning the silhouettes. We are loving the grey-blues, violets, and eggplant colors... chartruese, and seafoam greens... this season!!!! A refreshing change from the naturals in previous seasons! We have brought back the Country Gentleman, The Retro, and the Fly Girl ( Malia Mills FAV)! The trimmings on all of these styles may be interchanged. Our big seller, Fly Girl is now trimmed with 3 layers of gold chains which you can request all different chain styling as an option! We have modernized the looks with chain styling.... mixing and matching brushed metal chains/gold metal chains/silver metal chains keeping in line with the trends for the season. We will post more pictures soon!!!!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Studios 39 Presentation of Sp '11 collection!

We will be featuring the Sp '11 collection on Monday, September 20th..... Buyers and Editors are invited for this special preview! We will be serving complimentary drinks after 12:00 pm.... Come and see what all the buzz is about!!!!!! Hope to see you there! To RSVP contact Nakita at onekindinc@gmail.com

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Designing Sp/Su '11 Collection!

I haven't posted in a while but I wanted to tell you we are in the process of designing the Sp/Su '11 collection! It is going to be so edgy chic! I want to tell you more.... but you will just have to wait and see for yourself! Picture an edgy Chanel! This is too much fun!!! LB ;)

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Ronald McDonald Fashion Show!

We are excited to be in attendance at this year's Saratoga Fashion Show! One of our favorite clients, Natalie from Saratoga Trunk puts on a huge fashion show to benefit the Ronald McDonald House every year! It is a HUGE event! We love fashion and it is for a really great cause! To purchase tickets go to http://saratogafashionshow.com/

We look forward to seeing you there!

xo LB ;)

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Beach hats


It is that time of year again! Summer vacation! Two things you must not forget as you head to the beach....... your sunblock and your summer hat! Here is a great option for you fedora hat wearers! Try the "Renaissance". This hat was featured in Glamour '08 but still remains a favorite among fans! Also, head to Malia Mills if you are heading to the Hamptons! Conveniently located in the Hamptons is a Malia Mills store! Ask for the "Fly Girl" hat!!! We hear they are a favorite and are rapidly selling out!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Bloomingdale's Trunk Show!

Hope to see you at the Bloomingdale's Trunk Show this Saturday, June 19th from noon- 6 pm! The Spring/Summer '10 collection will be featured! Also, Lisa will be on hand to take custom orders as well! Hope to see you there!

Where: Bloomingdale's 59th and Lex!
When: noon- 6pm

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Congrats to all the CFDA Winners!


Congrats to all the winners of the CFDA last night!!!! Jason Wu, new kid on the block! Goes to show you that if you take chances and live your dreams anything is possible. If you didn't know.... Jason Wu was an up and coming designer and designed the inagural dress that Michelle Obama wore to the ball!

You earned your place in history!!!

LB ;)

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Today is the SOMA art studios walk!!!



This is what I am wearing for this hot and sticky afternoon! Perfect pairing of the Mariner hat with DVF sundress! Great attire for an afternoon walk through the neighborhood to visit the many artists studios. Try this combo on an afternoon full of frolic and fun this summer!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The trend for Fall/Winter '10 is Camel!



Looking ahead to Fall/Winter'10, the trend will be camel. Camel trench coats for the fall and winter camel cashmere coats will abound. With recessionary times upon us think 40's and the understated dressing with muted colors hence..... camel. Hats were hip in the 40's. This "Annie" hat is great to pair with a trench or overcoat. Here is a great look for Fall. This is one to sure to turn heads.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

1942 at Saratoga Racetrack


It is the beginning of summer and it is time to plan for your outing to the Saratoga Racetrack this year! I have included a picture from the summer of '42. I like the understated clothes and hats in this picture. It is reminiscent of simpler times. It goes to show you that you can look sleek and understated with a hat. I hope this picture makes people feel more comfortable about wearing hats and that hats don't always have to be showy and over the top!

Monday, May 31, 2010

The hat of the day is the "Paper Girl"!



Pair the "Paper Girl" hat with these skinny cargo pants and don't forget your strappy black platforms!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Hat of the day!!!



I had the pleasure of venturing out on this delightfully hot day!!!! All dressed in my summer sundress attired with the "Poboy"..... a cute little hat!!! This hat also looks great atop the latest style of rompers!!! Check it out! I call the hat a little fedora! It is small and perfect for those with small features! I had alot of compliments hence the blog post!!!! If you are looking for a nice small hat this is the hat for you!.. It is great for small features but also great for tall gals with a small head! Enjoy!!!

LB xo

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Lydia Johnson Dance hosts a luncheon at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club



I had the pleasure of being invited by Miriam Mitchell and Lydia Johnson to attend a luncheon at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club! This Tennis Club is gorgeous and the grounds are just spectacular! I have included a few pictures of the event and my hat " The Greta" that I wore for the event!!! Take a look!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Woman of the Year!!!


Help support my friend as "Woman of the Year" and vote for KRISTINA KRAWCHUK and HELP SUPPORT LLS. GO ONLINE TODAY www.mwoy.org/uny

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Lisa Battaglia's exclusive showing with Designers and Agents!

Join us on May 3rd and 4th at 257 W 39th Street 10th Floor bet 7th and 8th for the exclusive showing of the collections. We will be highlighting the Fall/Winter '10 collection . Also for review will be Holiday, Bridal and Resort. We look forward to showing you the collection!!! While viewing the collections please join us for a fresh libation. Please RSVP to onekindinc@gmail. com. We look forward to seeing you!!!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Lisa Battaglia presents Fall II and Holiday!!!

We will be presenting the collection on May 3rd and May 4th from 9 am to 7 pm at Studios 39, 257 West 39th Street 10th Floor in the heart of the garment district! This showing coincides with the Designer and Agent show! We welcome all buyers and press to preview all of the collections. We will be serving complimentary cocktails! Invitations to follow!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Sample Sale!!!

Coming soon to Etsy, Ebay and Supermarket....... select hats on sale for your shopping pleasure!!! We are pleased to announce that we will offer a few styles for sale on these websites for purchase. You will be able to purchase a Sp/Su '10 style at a discounted rate! We know times are tough and we value our customers!!!!! Have fun shopping for your LB hat! We will keep you posted!!!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Personal Appearance at Bloomingdale's!

We have been invited by Bloomingdale's to be featured in an upcoming trunk show! We will keep you posted on the dates for this special event! So excited to show you the Sp/Su '10 collection! Get fitted for your LB hat just in time for the beach or special occasion!!! Stay tuned.......

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Where I find Inspiration!

My inspiration since I started designing hats has all along been vintage, even before vintage was in style. I guess that is why I pursued a career in millinery. Who does that trade now-a-days anyway.... growing up with 40's music, rummaging through garage sales .... all make me the person I am today.... I also had the fortunate opportunity to see the world and all cultures as a flight attendant for a number of years.

My beginnings are wholesome and humble and I keep these things as core values in my line of work. Color, textures and sillouette are all key when I design a collection. It has to "feel" right. I always say I am a trend-setter and psychic when I design. I have the uncanny ability to "see" what is going to be the next trend... I picked hats because at the time no one was really designing hats and I thought it would be a niche that I could market more easily because a milliner was a "rare" breed!

I hope you find this blog post informative and I appreciate all feedback as I find it necessary to growth of the business!

Keep reading my blog and enjoy!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Trunk show at The Palace Theater in Albany on March 17th!!

For more information log onto:


http://www.facebook.com/kksllstrain?ref=mf#!/kksllstrain?v=info&ref=mf

The Palace Theater
19 Clinton Avenue
Albany, NY 12207-2211
(518) 465-3334

12-4 pm! See you there!!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Well-Wed Magazine's bridal event and couture fashion show

We were thrilled when Well-Wed asked us to participate in this year's fashion showcase. We featured our headpieces at the Rochester and Southampton bridal shows. Our headpieces were paired with the latest trends in bridal fashions. For a peek at the latest trends..... log onto Facebook and go to the fan page for LISA BATTAGLIA to view the Sp/Su '10 bridal collection. Next up will be the Cape Cod show!!! Thank you so much to Well- Wed Magazine for asking us to be their featured headwear designer for this year's events!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

For the love of true craftsmanship!

A quality cobbler and milliner are hard to find!!! I love this article and I stand behind my products with quality craftsmanship.... kudos to Grace Ormonde for publishing this!!!!

http://graceormonde.com/daily-photos/mr-abet-the-cobbler/

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Headpieces on the Runway!

We received word today that the our headpieces got "rave" reviews from the crowd gathered at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY on Saturday, January 23rd. The event was highlighted by a runway show featuring our custom headpieces!!! Thanks to Well-Wed Magazine and their staff for choosing our creations to be featured in their events this year! More to come! We will post pictures as soon as we get them! Stay tuned......

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Marie Antoinette inspired headpieces


Inspiration for the headpieces for this years Well-Wed Magazine's event came from Marie Antoinette. Colors of baby blues, pinks and ivory were the core focus..... and of course the big plumes and ribbons! One of the headpieces was decorated with a linear bow combination with tendrils of the ribbons flowing from the head to the shoulder in varying lengths. I used shades of pinks and deep plums. The various elements of color and proportion made for a clean elegant headband inspired by Marie Antoinette.

Issac Mitzrahi gave this headpiece his thumbs up in a recent post of it on facebook! Thanks Issac!