Maria Federica Prezioso

Milliner | La Spezia, Italy

Keeping vintage hat designs fresh

Maria Federica has a small hat-making atelier in La Spezia
She is a milliner and felt maker
She specialises in vintage designs from the 1920s and 1930s

Maria Federica “Ica” Prezioso runs Fabbrica Prezioso, a small hat-making workshop on the Italian riviera, where she designs, crafts and sells hats and other headpieces for women and men. A self-made artisan with a passion for hats, Ica struggled for years to collect the resources – in terms of know-how and materials – to advance her technique and fulfill her dream. Thanks to years of refinement, research and practice, today her workshop is a reference for a discerning clientele wishing to sport her 1920s and 1930s inspired headpieces, for special occasions or even daily life. In keeping with her passion for vintage designs, Ica uses traditional techniques and tools to craft her creations, and every single piece is completely handmade and unique.

Interview

©Marina Busoni

©Costanza Lamotte

Did you learn your craft from a master?: I always had a passion for hats and vintage designs, but in my town I never found a master to teach me, so for years my bible has been a British 1890s handbook on hat making. I practised a lot on my own, and then went to Antwerp and London to refine my skills.
What is your style?: My style is definitely retro. I am in love with designs inspired from the 1920s and with films from the 1930s. I am not a creator of fancy hats à la Philip Treacy, I prefer to create graceful, harmonious designs which enhance femininity and fit well in terms of shapes and colours.
Is there a specific tool or technique that you master?: Hat making is an old craft, and I love vintage designs, so I also use some old tools such as the old wooden hat moulds, or working with steam to model felt and straw on them.
What do you like the most about your craft?: The benefit of a handmade headpiece is that it is unique and perfectly custom made. To achieve this, you have to meet and know your clients, understand their wishes and their needs. Craftsmanship can be a solitary mission, but handwork creates long-term relationships.

Maria Federica Prezioso is a master artisan: she began her career in 2004 and she started teaching in 2011