Vienna designer Sassa Ann Van Wyk has reinterpreted a classic straw boater hat as a sculptural headpiece, called Summer Hat, for which the material is layered in undulating folds.

The piece is balanced diagonally on the head and secured in place by a vintage grosgrain ribbon. This acts as the trim, and also extends into a tie that is worn like a choker.

Van Wyk's headwear designs often use reclaimed and offcut fabrics, which are once again transformed into desirable objects within her playful, avant-garde pieces.

Above all, the designer says her work is about expressing emotions. "When I manage to transfer this feeling to anyone wearing or gazing at one of my hats, I’ve reached my objective," she explained.

Previously, the trained Italian milliner worked in the London studio of Philip Treacy, where she honed her artistic vision before setting off on her own.

Van Wyk is one of 15 designers being spotlighted at the Virtual Design Festival by Austrianfashion.net – a platform championing designers who are born or based in Austria.

Photography is by Tim Cavadini and hair and makeup by Karla Goldoni.

Design: Summer Hat
Brand: Sassa Ann Van Wyk
Contact address: [email protected]
Instagram: @sassaannvanwyk

VDF x Austrianfashion.net

Austrianfashion.net is a non-profit organisation that promotes contemporary Austrian fashion design. Virtual Design Festival has teamed up with the organisation to present accessories and fashion designs by 15 designers who were born or are based in Austria and produce their products both sustainably and locally. Explore the other designs here.