Backgrounder

DEBORAH HARPER MILLINERY
BACKGROUNDER




“Hats are in” that’s the word, though Deborah Harper would say they were never really out. The new millennium has seen a dramatic surge in the popularity of fashion accessories , and hats are a big part of it. During the past decade hat designer Deborah Harper has made her indelible mark on the industry.

Hailing from Connecticut, Harper studied Fashion Design at Chamberlyn Jr, College in Boston and there began her career in clothing design. In 1978 she came to New York, enrolling in millinery courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology; furthering an already eclectic background in fashion design from costumes to vintage clothing. Soon her hats graced the windows of Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel and Barneys.

Ms. Harpers hats have been featured in, among others, Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Womens Wear, and New York Magazine.

Recent years have brought Harper to the island of Nantucket where she had the opportunity to work directly with clients , such as Teressa Heinz ,in her own boutique which now resides in West Harwich on Cape Cod.

Harpers designs are classic and versatile, allowing a woman to create a variety of looks with one style. Always eye-catching Harpers hats often give a one-of-a-kind illusion and have been seen on such celebrities as Bernadette Peters, Katie Courac, Sharon Stone, Cher and Kelly Rippa.

Hats have always been worn to adorn. Deborah Harper has her eye on the woman with courage to wear a hat for function and fun., warmth and protection from the sun, a penchant for drama, not to mention it’s power as a flirtatious prop, make the hat an accessory must.