The right accessory can transform an outfit, and hats are the ultimate fusion of style and function. We had the opportunity to sit down with a seasoned hat designer, delving into her journey and the creation of her effortlessly chic hat styles, all inspired by Danish sophistication. From her design philosophy to tips on selecting the perfect hat for your unique style, this interview offers a glimpse into the world of a designer who seamlessly blends elegance with practicality. Whether you’re new to hats or a longtime admirer, you’ll discover the essence of her brand and the artistry behind Tina M Copenhagen

When it comes to choosing the perfect hat, what advice do you have for individuals looking to find the ideal one for their style?

Often a client or model will say “hats don’t suit me”, but there is always a hat to suit everyone, it’s just about finding the right one. When I style a client, I take note of their complexion, height and general face shape. A shorter person usually doesn’t suit a big floppy hat as it can look too overwhelming. A taller person doesn’t usually suit a smaller hat, like a trilby. Hats should look proportionate to complement physical features. Hair colour plays a role too, taupe or darker coloured hats usually suit someone with dark hair. Blonde haired clients always look great in natural-coloured hats. Of course, this is a general guide and there are always exceptions to the rule. The main place to start is choosing a UPF50+ rated hat for maximum sun protection, from there, I like to combine my clients personality with their physical attributes before suggesting a style and colour.

Among your diverse range of hat designs, which one holds a special place in your heart, and what inspired its creation?

We create different style options from wide brim fedora to wide brim trilby, cowboy, shorter brim options, breton, to cloche to bucket. Each are available in a different material option including BAO fibre, natural and sustainably-sourced Madagascan raffia, corduroy cotton and Australian wool felt. Material wise, I would say my favourite is our signature crush-resistant and travel-friendly Flexibraid® material. We invented this innovative textile that interlaces extruded fibres and yarns into one single continuous strand. This makes the Flexibraid® styles lightweight, breathable, packable by folding down the crown, resistant to rain and colour fading and, importantly, UPF50+ rated for maximum sun protection. As for my favourite hat style, the cowboy has always been special for me. As iconic look for Elle McPherson, we create our cowboy hats with a wire in the edge of the brim allowing you to style the hat into a wide brim hat or shaped in a cowboy style. 

As someone who appreciates the importance of accessorising, what are three essential items you believe every wardrobe should have?

I appreciate investment pieces for accessories – quality belts, shoes and a great hat. Choosing these three items as high-end accessories makes for a quality and versatile wardrobe.

In the eternal debate between colours and neutrals, where do you stand and why?

It definitely is the eternal debate! Personally, I love wearing colour and it’s a recurring theme within my personal wardrobe. As a designer and manufacturer, I always pay attention to the trending colours for the season ahead. Generally, it’s the natural and neutral colours that sell the most as these tones complement most outfits. However, I always choose a few colours in my collections as these work well in shopping boutiques. They are the showpieces that catch the eye, although a smaller demographic wears coloured headwear.

What is one fashion item that you believe is indispensable in any wardrobe, and why?

Any fashion item that elevates an outfit, for me, that’s a belt, shoes and of course a great hat. For versatility, expression of style, detail and other benefits like impact on posture and confidence, I would lean towards a beautiful pair of shoes. Why, because shoes are often the centrepiece in fashion discussions and a key item for personal style.

Can you describe your process for putting together an outfit, starting with selecting the perfect hat? 

This definitely depends on my mood, I like to mix and match depending on how I feel on a particular day coupled with the plans for the day ahead. Some days I feel like staying traditional and classic, if it’s that kind of day I would start by selecting a crisp white classic fedora with a simple black band. If I feel a little more adventurous, I would choose a hat with colour or a cowboy style.

When heading out for a night on the town, what essentials do you make sure to carry in your bag?

I like to carry as few items as possible, but I’ll always have a lip-gloss, credit card and my keys.

How do you recommend styling accessories to complement an outfit, particularly when it comes to pairing them with hats?

Colour complementing, without it being too ‘matchy’. Identify a tone of colour within one of your accessories – either your belt, shoes, bag or statement jewellery piece. Then pair this tone of colour with your hat of choice. It doesn’t necessarily need to match the hat material colour, it can complement the band or design details around the base of the crown to make a statement. 

Who is your ultimate style crush, and what aspects of their fashion choices inspire you the most?

I don’t have a particular person, but a country in general. My style crush is Danish design. I absolutely adore how Danish design works by keeping choices simple, minimalistic and complementary. Understated luxury at its finest. I always look to Danish and European fashion for inspiration in my collections.

Finally, looking ahead to upcoming accessory trends, what do you predict will be the hottest styles for hats and other accessories, and why should individuals consider investing in them?

Chunky jewellery, layered necklaces, statement belts and vintage-inspired pieces – as for hats, wide brimmed hats are having a resurgence for a sophisticated touch. Importantly, beyond fashion and style, the main reason that people should choose to invest in a wide brim hat is to be fully protected from the sun. There is no better way to preserve your youth and beauty than wearing a UPF50+ rated hat to protect from sun damage and premature ageing. Not only is it a statement fashion piece, it’s also an important beauty and health accessory.