Fairlawn Designer Makes Award-Winning Hats

Fairlawn has its very own Kentucky Derby connection – an award-winning hat. 

Local writer and jewelry designer Paula Singleton really became a hat maker long before her first design. She was sold on hats from the first day she wore one bought at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Comments from strangers, “What a great hat!” were the inspiration for Singleton's company name. Last year one of her designs won the Judges Choice Award at the 2010 Kentucky Derby Hat Contest. The hat can be seen on display at the Derby Museum. 

The Derby might be the only place in America where hat wearing is a tradition, but Singleton said recently more and more women are taking on the fashion accessory  in their everyday wardrobes – thanks in no small measure to the upcoming marriage of Kate Middleton and Prince William.

You can see Singleton’s designs at local and regional art fairs, at monthly open houses at her Fairlawn studio and at fundraisers including the Akron Symphony Fashion Show. The runway designs are often more art than fashion, Singleton said.  

“Some of them are pretty over the top. I never expected to sell them, but there are women who have bought them and have the confidence to wear them.” 

Women have told Singleton they would feel self conscious wearing a hat, but then found “the right hat” that gave them confidence, she said. “Someone told me that women hide behind hats to be seen. I think that’s true.”

Singleton has sewn since childhood. She learned the craft of professional millinery from designer Eia Radosavljevic at Virginia Marti College in Lakewood.

The process involves fashioning fabric or straw around forms called blocks, then stitching wire into a brim to hold its shape. Singleton often works vintage feathers and fabric into her designs.

She said her own favorite style is "retro with a modern twist."

Most of Singleton’s hats range in price from $80 to $100. The Derby winner goes for $300.

Singleton's next open house at What a Great Hat! is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 6.