Meet Heather Davis | Founder and Hat Maker of Sigil Hats
I am a hatter making fur felt and straw hats for a discerning clientele in Asheville, NC. Trained as a tailor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, NY by Italian Master Tailors, the fine handwork skills I learned from them can be seen in all my hats.
The process of hat making has not changed much over time. My hats are hand blocked, hand stitched and finished with a reverence for time-honored methods and techniques that have been used for centuries.
Why Sigil? I named my hat business Sigil Hats (Sigil rhymes with vigil) because of the deep meaning and nuance in the word. A sigil, historically, was the mark of the king. Like a family crest, the king would make this mark on correspondence, sometimes with a wax seal, to signify the authenticity of the document. Over the centuries, the word has taken on additional meanings including that of a talisman – a protective symbol. It has also evolved to mean something that brings luck. I thought these qualities pertained perfectly to a favorite hat – something that provides protection, might be lucky, may instill confidence in the wearer, but is a beloved and trusty companion.
My tag line – “Sigil – Make Your Mark” – invites the wearer to experience all of these attributes while making a distinctive fashion statement.
It is a joy to create my hats with the wearer in mind, hoping to bring all of these positive attributes to their life.
