Inside The Studio: ByVlada

Meet the creative and talented Vlada Kabatyanskaya, a hat maker and founder of ByVlada based in New York City. I discovered Vlada for the first time while I scrolled through Instagram and her polka dot hat with a pink dress caught my attention. So my excitement levels went off the charts when she welcomed me to her sanctuary workspace. It was a real joy meeting her in person and talking along as her impactful colored and tailored hats were all in sight!

Her hat designing is eclectic and her approach of incorporating vintage and the love of imperfect handmade items are thoughtfully inspiring. Vlada’s profound love for hats is contagious, and her personality shines through in her work.

ByVlada is American made hat brand with the strong belief that everyone in the world should wear a hat. The brand personifies the playful and elegant style of Vlada; passionately merging a distinctive era, exceptional design with high quality materials that make her hats the perfect wardrobe staple that will immediately elevate your outfits. Her hats pair well with favorite denim all the way up to an elegant cocktail dress and you’ll be able to wear them from years to come.

Her materials and equipment are mostly sourced in the United States with some sources from Europe as well. She’s an example of fempreneur who is passionate to make a real difference in the hat designers’ world.

Read below for a Q+A with Vlada and learn about her journey as a hat maker and more.

Tell me a bit about your background. Who’s Vlada?

My family immigrated from Ukraine. In my household creativity was always valued. My mother sewed and fashioned jewelry, and my grandma could always utilize an accessory to create an amazing look around it. I was always looking for an outlet for my own creative spirit but it wasn’t until I took a millinery class at FIT that I found my passion.

What and how did you get into millinery’s world?

It was all a journey. It started with me constantly searching for something creative, something that I would be great in. I explored a variety of different artistic mediums before finding millinery. I took photography classes, bag and shoe making classes, and it was only by chance that I stumbled upon millinery.

How do you get all inspiration?

My inspiration is all around me. Everything that I experience in the world is used as an inspiration for my hats. I travel a lot, which helps expose me to a variety of different textures and styles. My popular hat Giovanni was inspired by the landscape of St. Barts. I also have an entire collection dedicated to the dusty jewel tones of the American Southwest. Of course my biggest and most constant inspiration is my own home in New York City. I constantly marvel at the blends of history and culture I see everywhere and everyday.

What’s a day like in life of Vlada?

I try to get up at 6:30 every morning to go to yoga at my gym. I don’t always make it, because when I start work on a hat I inevitably find that I can’t stop working until it’s done. I often find myself working on one hat until two or three in the morning. All of my hats are handcrafted, and there is a lot of preparation that goes into getting the finished product. I’m always getting an order ready and I have pulled many all nighters getting everything finished to my standards.

What do you love the most about your role as a hatter?

I love all the varied and interesting people that I meet and the way I can change customer’s perception of themselves with a hat. I love that I can create something so new and unique out of a craft with such a rich established history.

Describe your brand in three words…

Fun, bright, and elegant.

What’s your favorite type of hats and why?

I love them all. Different hats suit different styles and can completely alter my look. I love rotating my hats based on my mood and the vibes I’m going for. Right now, I think a person should own at least 10 hats, otherwise you will be missing out.

What’s your bestseller hat at ByVlada?

There isn’t just one as it depends on the season, but I’ll say the ones that sell best are the most unique. The widest brims and the funkiest colors always seem to attract the most attention.

What’s your advice to women when starting out to wear – a first hat?

Don’t allow yourselves to feel like a hat is wearing you; a hat is about enhancing your look – everyone can pull it off but it’s more about being confident in yourself. A cool hat can help giving you more confidence throughout the day, and serves as an amazing conversation starter. It’s a surefire way to make sure people remember you. Be bold, hats are still unique in fashion, and not everyone will wear one.

What’s next for ByVlada?

Keep on evolving – the brand and collection are always evolving. For this fall winter/season – I am interested in experimenting with some unique materials and fabrics, and branching out into new textures.

Who will you like to see wearing your hats?

Everyone.

How can people follow you and buy your hats?

Follow my hatter journey on Instagram @byvladainsta and shop my hats and headwear collection at www.byvlada.com or stop by at Matriark shop in Sag Harbor.

Other options: studio appointment, in person sample review with head fitting at any location (I have some office/studio spaces that I use) and or pop up events that I set up. The best is to set up in person or Webex consultation. For any inquiries, please write to info@byvlada.com.