Yes, it’s Spring/Summer ’25, but folks wear hats all year around. With Easter on the horizon, I stopped in at Hats By Bunn, located at 2283 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. last weekend, and spoke with Mr. Bunn — who’s been a hat maker in New York for over 50 years — about what’s new, and how to buy a hat this season.
“Unlike designers who mostly sketch, I create and make my hats from scratch,” he shared, escorting me back to his workroom where he was blocking hat shapes. He creates custom, classical hats for all occasions. “What inspires your hat styles?” I ask. “I watch folks walking down the street. I‘m also inspired by whatever music I’m listening to,” he smiled.
“What’s new for Spring/Summer ’25?” “Well, everyone comes in the shop asking for Beyoncé’s cowboy hat,” he smirked. “Do you have one in the shop?” “Yes, It’s a Harlem cowboy hat,” he laughed. When he showed it to me, of course, I had to try it on. “You look slick,” he complimented, and we had a good laugh.
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For Spring/Summer ’25, the baseball cap creates a stir and has become a fashion accessory staple. You can wear caps, casual and dressy alike, adorned with pins, ribbons, jewels; or sporty, with many odd attachments. For men and women, international designers are showing a wide variety of hats every which way on the Spring/Summer ’25 runways. Baseball caps accessorized evening gowns, business suits, beachwear and loungewear. The Bennie, another hit, is a hat that goes with every look. Sailor hats are back, along with sun hats, scarves, and turbans.
The way you wear your chapeau defines your style. Mr. Bunn shared tips on how to choose a hat that’s right for you.
RMW: When a person buys a hat, what should they look for? Mr. Bunn: It’s a combination of things. Pay attention to what you see in the mirror. Your hat must fit your personality and your rhythm. Hats are very personal.
RMW: Are brims wide or shorter this season?
Mr. Bunn: Brims are determined by your stature. Remember, what looks good on someone else may not look good on you. Look for a hat that compliments you, your face and how you dress.
Hats By Bunn’s prices start at $50. Store hours are Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.hatsbybunn.com for more info.
Fashion & Beauty editor Renee Minus White, an original member of The Chantels, a 50’s Doo Wop group who sang “Maybe,” is the author of “Maybe: My Memoir: A Chantel’s Story,” available at Amazon.com.