Oh yes, you've seen Topsy Turvy hats on Offbeat Bride before … clearly, I'm sort of in love with them. The drama and costumey feeling is just so perfect for historical, victorian, and vintage weddings.
But there's an awesome woman behind all those amazing wedding hats … and with that in mind, I wanted to introduce you all to Kim Dye, the milliner who makes all the amazing vintage-feeling bridal headware that defines Topsy Turvy Designs.
Keep reading to see Kim's latest designs and learn a bit more about the magician behind the top hats…
Kim is based out of Oakland, CA and in a recent interview with Etsy.com, she explained that , "I am a huuuuuuuge flea market/estate sale junkie."
"… Most weekends I can be found foraging for old bits of lace, forgotten photos, vintage costumes, folk art, and other things with a soul & a past."
"I am also a history nerd I spend a lot of time in the history wings of the Oakland Museum & Oakland Library which are in my hood."
"I come from a family of artists/crafts people. There were never idle hands in the Brown household, as we were constantly drawing, papier mache-ing, embroidering, latch hooking…"
"…My mom taught me how to machine sew the age of 9 on her 1920’s, straight-stitch-only Singer. My first project was a replica of the black & grey, bow-bedecked hat from Madonna’s Borderline video."
Of course Kim does custom orders for brides, in addition to the pre-existing designs she sells on Etsy.
Kim is offering a 10% discount to all Offbeat Bride readers — just contact her through Etsy to let her know how you found her before you place your order. So go drool over her customer gallery, and then get shopping!
Oh, and if you want to get to know Kim even more … here's an awesome video all about how she makes her wedding hats and bridal headpieces:
Comments on "Hats from Topsy Turvy Design"
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LW
January 30th, 2009 · 12:01 PM · #
Oh my god, I think I'm in love.
fawndolyn
January 30th, 2009 · 12:06 PM · #
I love Topsy Turvy!
Kim of TTD
January 30th, 2009 · 12:17 PM · #
Thanks Ms. Ariel!
Oh & disclaimer on the vid – It is always cool to be goth
un-bride
January 30th, 2009 · 1:13 PM · #
She is fabulous! Thanks for sharing.
Nicole
January 31st, 2009 · 7:55 AM · #
Oh, this makes me so homesick! This video was shot around the neighborhood where I worked last year and close to where I grew up.
Kim is so talented and creative–this is exactly the wonderful, wacky, artistic Oakland spirit that I love. I'm so glad she found a career from her passion!
Kathleen Crowley
February 1st, 2009 · 12:46 PM · #
She is just the best.
The best.
Hands down.
The Bestest in the West.
CuteChimaera
February 1st, 2009 · 2:25 PM · #
"LW
January 30th, 2009 · 12:01 PM ·
Oh my god, I think I'm in love."
I was thinking the same thing…*drools*
Wedding Skulls
February 2nd, 2009 · 12:46 PM · #
Omigod, love Topsy Turvy! It's always a treat to see the fabulous women behind the fashions, and Kim is a total delight! Thanks Ariel!
andi
February 2nd, 2009 · 7:40 PM · #
I am nuts about one of her headbands and have had it favorited on Etsy for awhile. If I had 60 dollars to drop on that kind of thing I would probably go for it.
Katie
February 2nd, 2009 · 7:42 PM · #
best. hats. ever. and accessories too! handmade, gorgeous pieces of work.
Sebastyne
February 25th, 2009 · 6:17 PM · #
Oh I love those hats. I've always had a soft spot for hats, but these ones are so cool. Deliciously elaborate.
Kerstin
March 26th, 2009 · 11:46 AM · #
Speechless!! I know who I'm going to for my wedding accessories!!! WOW!
Rene
March 28th, 2009 · 11:29 PM · #
Oh yes indeedy. I found her hats on etsy. Now that I have seen this video I must have a hat for my wedding. And then I'm pretty sure I'll never take it off.