Must NYC:

If Linda Pagan was a hat, she would be a one-of-kind, hand-beaded headdress among 1000 navy baseball caps—that’s just how unique, rare, and eccentric a breed she is.  Whether Ms. Pagan is gracing the streets of NYC in a hat that could have been plucked straight off the pages of a Lewis Carroll fairytale, or assisting customers in her prized Soho jewel of a shop, The Hat Shop, this former Wall Streeter reveals why life as “The Hat Lady” is better than ever.  Hats off to you, Linda!

What is your present state of mind?
Extreme optimism.

What hat are you wearing now?
A scrumptious Panama hat, blocked to look like it’s been squashed.

Were you born with a passion for hats or did it cultivate over time? Can you site any specific influences?
I had to wear hats as part of my school uniform so I always hats but I really fell in love with them after I bought a hat for myself at Hit or Miss. I was about 13 years old. It cost $7.99.

What do you like best (and least) about your job?
I don’t even call it a job! I get paid to do something that I love.  I hate the whole cash flow thing of a small business.

What excites you?
I always look forward to the new season’s outre chapeaux. Can’t wait to wear them… especially the confections that Parrish whips up.

What is your most treasured possession?
All my photographs.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Travel, but then I regard it as a necessity.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The Hat Shop.

Which talent would you most like to have?
To sing.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My life, right now.

What three things can you absolutely not live without?
Tea, sleep and the prospect of any upcoming trip.

Who are your fashion icons?
Diana Vreeland, Edith Sitwell, Vita Sackville-West, Marlene Dietrich.

What is your favorite era for hats?
Now!!

If you could choose anyone to “top” (dead or alive), who would it be? Elizabeth I.

What is your bestselling style of hat right now?
Fedora.

What types of hats do you predict will be popular this fall?
Any silhouette that sports a feather.

Where do you see hats in the next five years?
On everyones head.

How do you know if a hat is right for your face and body type?
When you walk down the street you knock ‘em dead.

When is a hat required?
Anytime you want attention.

What is your style motto?
Fashion goes out of style but style never goes out of fashion… or…. you can never be too overdressed!