"Now THAT's a HAT!!"
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March 21, 2011
HAT DESIGNER
Diana Mattos
Daron Interview
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The interview
Diana Mattos is a designer, seamstress, milliner, portrait artist, avid photographer, printmaker, make-up artist, stylist, avid gourmet cook and overall creative pirate. She lives in Queens, New York.
DS: What are the most memorable years of your life and what happened to make them so memorable?
Diana Mattos: The last 10 yrs., because it encompasses my time in New York, the city that has called me with siren song since I was a child. I'd hear stories from my parents, who met and lived here back in the 60s and I felt this incredible connection with the city. My years here have been an amazing, fun, interesting, if wacky roller coaster ride: I have found and lost love many times over, experienced a plethora of things some people only read or hear about and have met so many fascinating people...some who have changed my life forever!
Diana Mattos: The last 10 yrs., because it encompasses my time in New York, the city that has called me with siren song since I was a child. I'd hear stories from my parents, who met and lived here back in the 60s and I felt this incredible connection with the city. My years here have been an amazing, fun, interesting, if wacky roller coaster ride: I have found and lost love many times over, experienced a plethora of things some people only read or hear about and have met so many fascinating people...some who have changed my life forever!
DS: Where were you born and where do you live now?
Diana Mattos: Born in Manhattan half Colombian, half Puerto Rican, lived in Far Rockaway and the Bronx until age 4, raised in Puerto Rico until 17. Now I live in Queens' multi-faceted Ridgewood area.
Diana Mattos: Born in Manhattan half Colombian, half Puerto Rican, lived in Far Rockaway and the Bronx until age 4, raised in Puerto Rico until 17. Now I live in Queens' multi-faceted Ridgewood area.
There are many of these period-specific events around NYC where people show up with the most amazing vintage or vintage-inspired costumes, finished off with exquisite hats.
DS: How would you best describe yourself?
Diana Mattos: I'm an anime character come to life with a biting, wacky, often misunderstood sense of humor and overall happy, positive outlook on life.
Diana Mattos: I'm an anime character come to life with a biting, wacky, often misunderstood sense of humor and overall happy, positive outlook on life.
DS: What are the must-haves in your daily wardrobe?
Diana Mattos: Leopard print something, earrings and my specs...myopia's a bitch! I prefer dresses over pants, BTW.
Diana Mattos: Leopard print something, earrings and my specs...myopia's a bitch! I prefer dresses over pants, BTW.
CONTACT HER
DS: Who do people tell you you look like?
Diana Mattos: Your worst nightmare...KIDDING! When I had longer hair I could say actress Jennifer Tilly. Not sure now, with pixie cut.
Diana Mattos: Your worst nightmare...KIDDING! When I had longer hair I could say actress Jennifer Tilly. Not sure now, with pixie cut.
DS: What is the compliment you most frequently get?
Diana Mattos: "Nice chesticles!" Again--'kidding. I get complimented on my smile and sweet demeanor a lot. I have fooled them all (*smirks*)
Diana Mattos: "Nice chesticles!" Again--'kidding. I get complimented on my smile and sweet demeanor a lot. I have fooled them all (*smirks*)
DS: How did you end-up being a Hat Designer?
Diana Mattos: It started off with a simple, "Hey, I can make that...cheaper!" I've been a burlesque and period-dressing party fan for some time now, so I gather a TON of inspiration from these events. There are many of these period-specific events around NYC where people show up with the most amazing vintage or vintage-inspired costumes, finished off with exquisite hats. Vintage pieces can be quite pricey at local boutiques, so I started researching and designing vintage-inspired pieces of my own. They got some attention and after the 3rd or 4th "I'd totally buy one of those!", I decided to go public with my collection. I've been crafting and sewing since my teens so it just seemed like the next step and an interesting field to tackle. I love a challenge—especially a creative one. It takes a confident woman to rock a hat these days. 40-50 yrs ago it was the norm to wear one to the supermarket, work, etc., and I'd love to bring those days back in vogue. I adore vintage fashion and standing out in a crowd, so I want to design hats that make women turn heads.
Diana Mattos: It started off with a simple, "Hey, I can make that...cheaper!" I've been a burlesque and period-dressing party fan for some time now, so I gather a TON of inspiration from these events. There are many of these period-specific events around NYC where people show up with the most amazing vintage or vintage-inspired costumes, finished off with exquisite hats. Vintage pieces can be quite pricey at local boutiques, so I started researching and designing vintage-inspired pieces of my own. They got some attention and after the 3rd or 4th "I'd totally buy one of those!", I decided to go public with my collection. I've been crafting and sewing since my teens so it just seemed like the next step and an interesting field to tackle. I love a challenge—especially a creative one. It takes a confident woman to rock a hat these days. 40-50 yrs ago it was the norm to wear one to the supermarket, work, etc., and I'd love to bring those days back in vogue. I adore vintage fashion and standing out in a crowd, so I want to design hats that make women turn heads.
DS: Can you tell us more about your job?
Diana Mattos: I ADORE what I do! From hours of researching archival material (catalog, history book or family photos, paintings, etc), buying the materials, putting it all together and hearing my praises sung by elated, satisfied clients. While it would be ideal to draw a simple mock-up to start with, I look at an old image, think about how to translate the piece into a modern one, then go to the supply store, like a hyperactive kid in a candy store. I'll think about my color scheme, gather several items in shopping basket and piece it together on the spot. If it's a custom piece, I'll think about the client's color and shape specifications and the event they want the hat for, if there is one. I usually buy 2-3 items more than I need, but end up using them while completing a project or soon after. My mind races and works that way. I love doing custom work, especially brainstorming with the customer about the event they need the hat for, what look and sometimes what REACTION they're going for. I design mostly for local artists and fashionistas who like to dress outrageously and 'make the scene' at gallery art show openings/events. Art, like fashion is all about creativity and self-expression, so they love to make a statement with their ensembles. I love the dramatic element of my work.
Diana Mattos: I ADORE what I do! From hours of researching archival material (catalog, history book or family photos, paintings, etc), buying the materials, putting it all together and hearing my praises sung by elated, satisfied clients. While it would be ideal to draw a simple mock-up to start with, I look at an old image, think about how to translate the piece into a modern one, then go to the supply store, like a hyperactive kid in a candy store. I'll think about my color scheme, gather several items in shopping basket and piece it together on the spot. If it's a custom piece, I'll think about the client's color and shape specifications and the event they want the hat for, if there is one. I usually buy 2-3 items more than I need, but end up using them while completing a project or soon after. My mind races and works that way. I love doing custom work, especially brainstorming with the customer about the event they need the hat for, what look and sometimes what REACTION they're going for. I design mostly for local artists and fashionistas who like to dress outrageously and 'make the scene' at gallery art show openings/events. Art, like fashion is all about creativity and self-expression, so they love to make a statement with their ensembles. I love the dramatic element of my work.
DS: Let's talk more about you and your tastes. Any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? Any thing you like and recommend?
Diana Mattos: I love art, fashion, crafts, which is why I enjoy attending local gallery shows in the Chelsea, SoHo, DUMBO and Bushwick art districts. NYC has dozens of them per week from January to early December. You dress up, meet interesting people and get to enjoy fantastic, [sometimes] cutting edge art. Chelsea's Agora Gallery is one of my favorites—check out their website ( www.agora-gallery.com). I love thrift shopping and checking out sales at local vintage shops, either for myself, as a research trip or to buy, embellish and sell. A plain, nicely-designed dress is a blank canvas to me. An old, crumpled up felt hat at the bottom of a bin that a store clerk is about to pitch will be taken home, thoroughly cleaned, steamed back into life, embellished, re-designed and sold. I even gather inspiration when shopping for myself. I also enjoy going to movies, people-watching, wine tastings around town, exotic cuisines, and singing at local karaoke bars. I'm extremely active in Meetup.com, which has interest groups for most ANYTHING! I'm one of the founders of the New York Wanna Doers Meetup, which has events ranging from exotic cuisine meal outings, outdoorsy events like snowshoeing, hiking and archery, to movie dates, rifle shooting, and wine tastings. I usually sate my karaoke thirst through Japas 27, in Manhattan's Murray Hill 'hood.
Diana Mattos: I love art, fashion, crafts, which is why I enjoy attending local gallery shows in the Chelsea, SoHo, DUMBO and Bushwick art districts. NYC has dozens of them per week from January to early December. You dress up, meet interesting people and get to enjoy fantastic, [sometimes] cutting edge art. Chelsea's Agora Gallery is one of my favorites—check out their website ( www.agora-gallery.com). I love thrift shopping and checking out sales at local vintage shops, either for myself, as a research trip or to buy, embellish and sell. A plain, nicely-designed dress is a blank canvas to me. An old, crumpled up felt hat at the bottom of a bin that a store clerk is about to pitch will be taken home, thoroughly cleaned, steamed back into life, embellished, re-designed and sold. I even gather inspiration when shopping for myself. I also enjoy going to movies, people-watching, wine tastings around town, exotic cuisines, and singing at local karaoke bars. I'm extremely active in Meetup.com, which has interest groups for most ANYTHING! I'm one of the founders of the New York Wanna Doers Meetup, which has events ranging from exotic cuisine meal outings, outdoorsy events like snowshoeing, hiking and archery, to movie dates, rifle shooting, and wine tastings. I usually sate my karaoke thirst through Japas 27, in Manhattan's Murray Hill 'hood.
DS: What is a typical week for Diana Mattos?
Diana Mattos: No such thing! Every week is different: an action-packed one consists of my daytime job (10a-6p), project deadlines (3-4), gallery opening events (10-15/week—no exaggeration!), lots of coffee, cocktail or dinner outings with friends or clients, a Meetup NYC Brunch Club, sprinkled with a little bit of sleep/rest. A slow week will be work, 2 hat/sewing commissions, 4 gallery openings and a weekend day hike upstate (I'm active in several Hiking/Outdoors Meetups). Mommy's hardly home—the cats are about to put themselves up for adoption...LOL!
Diana Mattos: No such thing! Every week is different: an action-packed one consists of my daytime job (10a-6p), project deadlines (3-4), gallery opening events (10-15/week—no exaggeration!), lots of coffee, cocktail or dinner outings with friends or clients, a Meetup NYC Brunch Club, sprinkled with a little bit of sleep/rest. A slow week will be work, 2 hat/sewing commissions, 4 gallery openings and a weekend day hike upstate (I'm active in several Hiking/Outdoors Meetups). Mommy's hardly home—the cats are about to put themselves up for adoption...LOL!
DS: Some quick questions: What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Diana Mattos: No such thing as a snooze button on a hungry cat, so I'll stammer over to fill their bowls.
Diana Mattos: No such thing as a snooze button on a hungry cat, so I'll stammer over to fill their bowls.
DS: What is your favorite word?
Diana Mattos: Love.
Diana Mattos: Love.
DS: What it your favorite quotation? Or make your own for posterity...
Diana Mattos: "Grab life by the neck and make it your bitch." — Me
Diana Mattos: "Grab life by the neck and make it your bitch." — Me
DS: What is your favorite "drug"?
Diana Mattos: Drug doesn’t mean chemical enhancement (unless you wish it to), but more along the lines of what gets you high or gives you joy/pleasure in life. Squeals of delight by a satisfied customer.
Diana Mattos: Drug doesn’t mean chemical enhancement (unless you wish it to), but more along the lines of what gets you high or gives you joy/pleasure in life. Squeals of delight by a satisfied customer.
The photo shoot
DS: What magic power would you like to have if you could choose one?
Diana Mattos: Flying.
Diana Mattos: Flying.
DS: If not yourself, who would you be?
Diana Mattos: For 5 minutes, an MTA attendant inside those bulletproof booths...just to see if their job is as miserable a it looks and understand why they're always so crabby and unresponsive.
Diana Mattos: For 5 minutes, an MTA attendant inside those bulletproof booths...just to see if their job is as miserable a it looks and understand why they're always so crabby and unresponsive.
DS: What is in store for you? Any key projects for the next months? Anything you want to share? Can our readers help you with anything?
Diana Mattos: I'm hosting "Fashionista Night" at Chelsea's Agora Gallery on Thursday, March 31st, 6-8pm. We want to encourage people to come decked out in creative, over-the-top, fun outfits and be part of a 'happening', much like those legendary 1980's NYC gallery openings attended by the likes of Warhol, Basquiat, Schnabel and David Bowie. Check out www.agora-gallery.com or the event's Facebook page (just search event's name). I'm adding 6 items to my Etsy shop this week ( www.etsy.com/shop/DivaWearDesigns) and attending 2 awesome period-specific events: The Salon's 10th Anniversary Extravaganza on 3/11 ( http://www.thesalon.biz/), where 1940-50s garb is encouraged and Dances of Vice's "Twilight Time: 1950s, 60s Rock, Pop, Doowop, Soul & Jive" event ( http://www.dancesofvice.com/) on 3/12. 1940s garb one night, 50s-60s the following...gas up the time machine, Mr. Verne!
Diana Mattos: I'm hosting "Fashionista Night" at Chelsea's Agora Gallery on Thursday, March 31st, 6-8pm. We want to encourage people to come decked out in creative, over-the-top, fun outfits and be part of a 'happening', much like those legendary 1980's NYC gallery openings attended by the likes of Warhol, Basquiat, Schnabel and David Bowie. Check out www.agora-gallery.com or the event's Facebook page (just search event's name). I'm adding 6 items to my Etsy shop this week ( www.etsy.com/shop/DivaWearDesigns) and attending 2 awesome period-specific events: The Salon's 10th Anniversary Extravaganza on 3/11 ( http://www.thesalon.biz/), where 1940-50s garb is encouraged and Dances of Vice's "Twilight Time: 1950s, 60s Rock, Pop, Doowop, Soul & Jive" event ( http://www.dancesofvice.com/) on 3/12. 1940s garb one night, 50s-60s the following...gas up the time machine, Mr. Verne!
DS: Anything you want to add to close this interview?
Diana Mattos: This may sound cliche'd but if you set your mind to do something, fulfill a dream, complete a bucket list item, or whatever, you CAN do it. Don't be discouraged by a few bumps in the road. YOU make things happen.
Diana Mattos: This may sound cliche'd but if you set your mind to do something, fulfill a dream, complete a bucket list item, or whatever, you CAN do it. Don't be discouraged by a few bumps in the road. YOU make things happen.
DS: Thank you Diana Mattos
Diana Mattos: Thank YOU for your time and giving me a forum to talk about my craft! Please visit my Etsy store for exciting, reasonably-priced items: www.etsy.com/shop/DivaWearDesigns
Diana Mattos: Thank YOU for your time and giving me a forum to talk about my craft! Please visit my Etsy store for exciting, reasonably-priced items: www.etsy.com/shop/DivaWearDesigns
The wall
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