Mamie Raynaud, known as the mad hat-tress, believes in the transformative power of hats. Inspired early on by her father, the neighborhood doctor, Mamie is also trained in the art of Chinese medicine. With a background immersed in the vibrant cultures of Los Angeles, she infuses her work with pop art, tradition, and Chinese American heritage. Growing up within the close-knit community of Chinatown, and surrounded by the influences of nearby Hollywood, her childhood became a colorful tapestry of experiences.
Her journey began at the age of ten when she first operated a sewing machine, creating a Taiwanese aboriginal dance costume and igniting her love for textiles and craftsmanship. This eventually led to her studies in fashion design, where the love of hats ignited. Guided by skilled mentors at JR Millinery in England, as well as master hatters across Europe, Mamie has honed her craft.
Now, nestled in the creative city of Austin, Texas, Mamie's studio stands as a testament to her journey. In every hat she crafts, there lies a story of her evolution from a curious child in Chinatown to milliner, where the precision of acupuncture meets the artistry of hat-making, creating pieces that are not just accessories but narratives woven into fabric and form.
