We Sat down with Sarah J Curtis -Sydney -based designer and founder of a luxury label specialising in beautifully designed hats-to chat about the inspiration behind her Winter collection and the challenges of a successful business.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR UNIQUE HATS?
I came into the hat business by accident. Whilst I was pregnant with my second child, I was diagnosed with melanoma — I then needed constant shade and sun protection. Through a wonderful friend of mine who lives in Ecuador, I started ordering custom-made hats, woven with extra wide brimming for maximum sun protection. You tend to walk everywhere with children. A Panama hat matches perfectly with everyday wear, plus Panamas never seem to date!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE SINCE THE LAUNCH OF SARAH J CURTIS?
The biggest challenge is getting the work/family life balance right. I have three children so it’s hectic all day, every day. They’re not the type of children that are happy to sit quietly while doing arts and craft. It’s more like an indoor soccer match down the hallway. I have to wear ear plugs in order to think straight! It can be difficult to immerse myself in my work, ensuring deadlines are being met whilst also juggling the duties of motherhood. What I absolutely love about this business is its creative side. It has become my sanctuary, my escape, my sanity. I honestly could not imagine myself and who I would be without it in my life.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR AW17 COLLECTION?
I grew up in Adelaide Hills and have been scared by the cold ever since. The inspiration for this collection is the idea of “keeping it cosy”. Rich textures in beautiful colours such as olive green, classic indigo, trans-seasonal grey and a black fedora are hand-crafted using only the best Australian Merino wool. I make most of the bands myself. The materials are sourced from all over the world, my favourite being the heavily textured Belgium mohair and Japanese Jute leather. There’s also a fantastic gold leather band in there too.
WHAT MAKES SARAH J CURTIS HATS STAND OUT FROM THE REST?
I’d love to think my hats stand out because of their beautiful texture and premium quality. Since last season, I have doubled the ounce of Merino wool used to make each hat. You can really feel the weight and durability in each piece. These hats are made to last you a lifetime. It doesn’t matter if they get wet, dirty with dog slobber or if the children sit on them, they will always pop back into shape, as perfect as before. I have even run my car over them (by accident) and you would never have known.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE SAMBAG WOMAN?
The Sambag woman is a classic, stylish and sophisticated individual. She is always well presented from head to toe and dressed appropriately for her occasion!
WHY DO YOU THINK SAMBAG AND SARAH J CURTIS MAKE THE PERFECT SYNERGY?
I have always been obsessed with fabrics and textiles and it’s the fabrics that Sam chooses, along with her beautiful prints, that get me every time! I’m thrilled to be collaborating with her. I feel the colours and textures of my latest collection work in perfect synergy with Sambag. You will really feel the ‘mood’ in the store.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HAT SO FAR?
I’d have to say the Olive Green Fedora, just because the colour is so unique and the texture in the wool really does make it super cosy.
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