albertus swanepoel

Milliner based in New York, NY

Albertus Swanpoel is a South African-born milliner whose work blends a keen understanding of proportion and pattern-making with a sculptural sensibility that's both modern and timeless. After training as a fashion designer and running his own made-to-measure business in South Africa, Swanpoel honed his craft in New York, studying under renowned milliners Janine Galimard and Janet Linville at FIT. He went on to apprentice for Lola, an experience that would shape his approach to hat-making and influence his love for the craft. Swanpoel's work is informed by a range of influences, including his South African roots, a passion for opera, and a fascination with design solutions across various fields. He draws inspiration from the textures and colors of his homeland, the emotions evoked by music and performance, and the sculptural possibilities of hat-making itself. He prefers his hats to be personal rather than precious, with a lived-in quality that makes them all the more special.