Hat designer Patricia Underwood creates unadorned, hand made, hand finished designs which rely on the most subtle understanding of shape, color and proportion for their effect. Her career began 25 years ago on an impulse to take an evening class in millinery at the Fashion Institute of Technology. That whim inspired her to design hats which flatter the wearer’s appearance and complement her clothing, rather than be a distracting ornament.

The current collection continues to present signature hats of straw, felt, leather and cashmere. The ongoing interest in using the finest materials is a continued goal for the Patricia Underwood Company, as is the commitment to manufacture in America.

In recognition of her outstanding work she has received a COTY award, a CFDA award, an American Accessories Achievement award, and Fashion Group International Entrepreneur of the Year award. She has collaborated with and created hats for some of America’s most prestigious clothing designers including Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, Cynthia Steffe, Isaac Mizrahi, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Jill Stuart and Rebecca Moses. These collaborations reinforce Ms. Underwood’s philosophy that hats must connect with clothing.

Patricia Underwood is currently a board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. She was born in Maidenhead, England and has been residing in the U.S.A. since 1967.