Meet Our Favorite Aspen Hatter, Clarity Fornell
The Aspen Hatter, located at the edge of town, is truly a one-of-kind-experience that is unique to the chic mountain resort town. Cuvée has partnered with hatter, Clarity Elise Fornell, for a private design and craft adventure in the Hatter’s workshop that also serves as the retail space.
Fornell is an Aspen native, educated at the Savannah School of Arts with a Fiber Arts degree, she meandered her way back home and into and apprenticeship with Chris Roberts, the creator of Aspen Hatter. Her study in embroidery, sculpture, weaving and felting were of particular asset when learning the methodology of creating hats. And, no two hats at Aspen Hatter can ever be the same as each one is hand-shaped rather than structured on a block, thus the beaver hair hats are one-of-a-kind.
The Cuvée x Aspen Hatter Experience
Cuvée’s exclusive experience with Fornell includes a private fitting with your VIP group. Each session is roughly two hours to ensure all guests can enjoy the immersive Western tradition with plenty of time for personalization.
The process is eloquent and classic. “Guests arrive and tour the workshop. I show them the different styles of hats, colors, felts and more. Next, I work with the individuals one-on-one to understand their face shape, factor in height, observe hair and skin tones; I need to take all this into consideration,” explains Fornell.
After measurements, we work together to design the desired crown, brim, color, and band, which is how I began my work with Aspen Hatter, making hand woven bands for the hats. I incorporate ikat fabrics, indigo-dyed shibori, varieties of feathers and sometimes I design woven beaded bands. It’s extremely intricate, personal, and delightful to design with each customer.
CLARITY FORNELL
Fornell designs Aspen dinner hats, functional farm hats, musician performance hats, they are of all the same hands weaving together personalized needs. This Cuvée experience truly demonstrates the artistry of a traditional Western icon.
