Karyn Ruiz of Lilliput Hats – On The Art & Craft of Millinery and Gord Downie

Visit: lilliputhats.com

With her innovative modern design, sumptuous materials, and vintage hat-blocking techniques, Karyn Ruiz of Lilliput Hats has become one of Canada’s preeminent milliners. 

Working from her shop / atelier, on College Street in Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood, Karyn and her team of highly skilled associates handcraft, block and sew each hat to exacting specifications. Using traditional techniques and fine craftsmanship, every hat is handmade by a person, not a machine, lending continuity to the long, valued tradition of fine millinery. 

In the three decades since she began fashioning one-of-a-kind creations, Karyn has become the go-to milliner for people seeking a special event head-piece or something fun for every day enjoyment. Her extensive collection of new and antique hat blocks and high quality seasonal materials allow her to produce a range of shapes, sizes and styles that will work for women and men, for any occasion.

In 2016, Karyn created a series of hats for Gord Downie as The Tragically Hip embarked on their final Canadian tour. The wide-brimmed hats embellished with intricate leather and feather trims quickly became iconic, and images of her hats now adorn the logos for the both the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research and his beloved Chanie Wenjack Fund. Her hats have also been worn by Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, who sported a black pillbox at an official meeting with Pope Francis, as well as by clients including Rachel McAdams, and Whoopi Goldberg. 

In addition to custom work, the shop carries an extensive collection of off-the-rack hats inspired by past eras but always with a current, wearable and stylish sensibility. 

So whether you’re looking for a fantastic hat to shield you from the sun or the snow, or something luxurious for a wedding, bar mitzvah or milestone event, Lilliput Hats will create an exceptional, quality hat.

Running time: 34 minutes.