Gigi Burris is a renowned American milliner known for her luxurious, handcrafted hats. Founded in 2011, her eponymous label blends classic techniques with modern design, gaining attention from celebrities and fashion publications alike. Burris’s pieces are celebrated for their timeless elegance and contemporary edge.
HOW DO YOU FIRST CONNECT WITH JONATHAN COHEN?
I first connected with Jonathan in college, where we had our freshman year core classes together, and I was actually his very first fit model! It’s been inspiring to watch his creative journey unfold since then.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR LOOK FROM FW25’S SHOOT RESONATES WITH YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? TELL US ABOUT YOUR GIGI BURRIS HAT!
I was thrilled to be given the all-black look. My personal style naturally leans a bit austere with darker tones, so it was fun to embrace something more playful for a change. I loved the ladylike silhouette of the skirt and can never resist a touch of leather. The hat is called the Lauren, one of our best sellers. It is named after Lauren Levison, a dear friend and loyal supporter of both Jonathan Cohen and Gigi Burris, which made wearing it all the more special.
GROWING UP, HATS AND ACCESSORIES WERE ALWAYS A PART OF YOUR STYLE. HOW DID THIS EARLY CONNECTION TO MILLINERY INFLUENCE YOUR APPROACH TO DESIGN AND CRAFTSMANSHIP?
I have always felt that a head accessory punctuates a look. It has been a natural part of my personal style for as long as I can remember. When I was developing my senior thesis at Parsons, while studying ready-to-wear alongside Jonathan, I paired a handcrafted hat with each look. It was the emotional essence of those headpieces that really resonated with people, and that response is what led me to pursue a career focused on millinery.
LAUNCHING YOUR OWN BRAND WAS A MAJOR MILESTONE. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BUILDING GIGI BURRIS MILLINERY?
One of the most rewarding parts of building Gigi Burris Millinery has been the opportunity to steward and support the preservation of skills in this dwindling field. I am humbled and grateful to create meaningful job opportunities and contribute to keeping the craft of millinery alive.
YOU FOCUS ON PRESERVING “OLD-WORLD CRAFT” THROUGH TECHNIQUES LIKE HAND-BLOCKING ON WOODEN MOLDS. AS YOUR BRAND EXPANDS, HOW DO YOU BALANCE TRADITIONAL METHODS WITH MODERN PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGY?
We use a hand-blocking technique that has remained unchanged for centuries, resulting in an exceptionally high-quality piece. Honoring that tradition is at the core of what we do. At the same time, we embrace modern efficiencies where they make sense. That includes using AI automation in parts of the business and building a contemporary dialogue with our audience through social media. It preserves the integrity of the craft while staying connected to the present.
BEING BASED IN NYC, HOW HAS THE CITY PROPOSED CHALLENGES TO RUNNING A BUSINESS? WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING HERE, AND PRODUCING LOCALLY?
Parking in New York has definitely posed some challenges. We drive a tiny Smart car between the blocking factory in Brooklyn and our atelier in Chinatown, often with hats stacked on the roof in bins. It is a real example of how resourceful you have to be to make it all work here. One of the most rewarding parts of being based in New York is operating our store in Chinatown. We love being part of that vibrant community and meeting people who come visit us for a new hat.
SUSTAINABILITY IS AT THE CORE OF YOUR BRAND, WITH A WASTE-CONSCIOUS, MADE-TO-ORDER PRODUCTION MODEL AND UPCYCLED REMNANTS IN YOUR CUT-AND-SEW DESIGNS. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN HIGH QUALITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP WHILE IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES?
Sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do, and our agility as a small brand allows us to lead every decision with that in mind. By producing made-to-order we are able to reduce excess overhead without compromising on quality. Every piece is made using traditional techniques that naturally support a slower and more intentional way of making.
YOU’VE RECEIVED NUMEROUS ACCOLADES, INCLUDING FORBES 30 UNDER 30 (ART & STYLE), CFDA/VOGUE FASHION FUND FINALIST, AND A CFDA ACCESSORIES AWARD NOMINATION. HOW HAVE THESE RECOGNITIONS INFLUENCED YOUR BRAND?
Each recognition has been an incredible honor and a moment of reflection. They have helped shine a light on the work we are doing to elevate millinery. While they are never the goal, they have opened doors, sparked meaningful connections, and encouraged us to keep pushing forward with intention.
YOUR DESIGNS HAVE BEEN WORN BY ICONS LIKE RIHANNA, MADONNA, LADY GAGA, AND BELLA. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE SUCH HIGH-PROFILE FIGURES SUPPORTING YOUR WORK?
It is meaningful to see iconic individuals wear our designs. These women are known for their individuality and fearless expression, so having them choose our pieces feels like a powerful validation of our voice. It is a reminder that even in a niche craft like millinery, there is room to make an impact.