Kristina Dragomir

Milliner

©Kristina Dragomir

©Mihaela Agarici

©Kristina Dragomir

Hats of art and craftsmanship

Kristina chose millinery as her visual art medium
She is self-taught in hat making
Her concern for ecology can be seen in all her recent collections

In her art and millinery, Kristina Dragomir explores a new type of imagery through her hat making. A visual storyteller by nature, Kristina creates characters as hats and aligning them to new trends has brought her international recognition. Over the years, her creations have been included in the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and Leclaireur Gallery in Paris or in concept stores around the world. Since 2013, she has been the official hat supplier to the Royal House of Romania, while numerous international VIPs have also worn her high-end accessories. Kristina is a graduate of the National University of Arts in Bucharest and has a Master’s degree and PhD in Visual Arts. She is a member of the Union of Visual Artists in Romania and the president of its Advertising Graphics branch.

Interview

©Mihaela Agarici

©Kristina Dragomir

Do you master any specific techniques?: I master several craft techniques, which I apply to different organic materials that can change shape under the influence of heat. For me, they have an important meaning because they are organic textiles used not only in fashion, but also in art and design.Felt modelling is one of my favourites. It acts as a base for both pyrography and embossing decorative elements.
What are your sources of inspiration?: My pieces are conceptual and explanatory. They make use of a semi-fantastical imaginary props, thanks to creative interpretations inspired by nature, digital art and urban characters born from comics and graffiti art.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your art?: My work has become a form of craft raised to the level of art, and put at the service of object design. After much research and many trials, I have managed to make hats out of ceramic materials, emboss ornaments, control surface damage, engrave in felt, paint on the surface of hats, make decorations with pressed natural elements and achieve effects with magnets or geometric parts inside double caps.
How would you define what you do?: It is a change of perspective in this creative field, demonstrating that the hat can benefit from a new generation of shapes. My designs are loaded with personality and character and can in turn generate innovation.

Kristina Dragomir is a master artisan: she began her career in 2006 and she started teaching in 2016