Adventurer, rebel, artist, icon, whatever mark you are making, Jaxon Howell‘s hats are 100% unique and made to stand out. Each hat is carefully shaped, sewn, and styled by hand in Vancouver, using sustainably sourced felts, hand-woven Ecuadorian straws, upcycled textiles, and trimmings he collects from local fabric stores and vintage shops or markets and bazaars while travelling the world.
“As a kid, I quickly discovered an artistic streak and eye for details. You’d rarely find me without a pencil, paintbrush, or camera in my hands. In my teen years, I got more into creative expression, fashion, and wearing all kinds of hats.”
FROM INJURY TO OPPORTUNITY
In 2006, Howell owned a custom furniture and millwork company, but in 2019, a car accident changed his journey – a wrist injury made woodworking very painful and often impossible, and the pandemic further impacted his craft. With everyone’s ability restricted, the demand for woodworking evaporated.
PUSHING FORWARD
Despite the sudden physical challenges, Howell’s spirit remained undeterred. He made the courageous decision to close the woodworking chapter of his life and embark on a new journey.
“I needed to feed my love for craftsmanship in another way, so I started making hats as a hobby. It allowed me to still create something with my hands without putting unnecessary strain on my body. With the pandemic in full force, all millinery classes were on an indefinite hold, and the opportunity to apprentice under someone was not an option.”
“It was a lot of trial and error in the beginning. Hat making is a pretty secretive trade so there’s not much to find online in the way of learning. Luckily, I have a knack for picking things up so what I did find on YouTube I was able to put into practice. I polished my technique along the way and started creating some pieces I was really proud of.”
BUILDING A NEW BRAND
As word spread through the community that Howell was now creating bespoke hats, he soon fielded calls and received orders from not only family and friends but also people internationally whom he had never met.
“To me, hats are an extension of personality. You want them to capture a person’s essence. It’s the same with a great portrait photograph. And no two people are the same, so no two hats should be either. The rest of it comes down to quality. The antique finishing nail in each hat is my signature touch. It’s a nod to my woodworking days, and the elegant, timeless feel I aim to invoke in all my work.”
He truly believes, and his actions do not bely this, that in an age of fast fashion and mass production, as a society, we have lost the magic of enjoying things crafted meticulously with passion, things that will ensure.
“My goal is to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that last a lifetime, and make you feel a spark of joy every time you slip them on.”
TRUSTING THE PROCESS
Every Jaxon Howell hat is made to measure with the finest materials and personalized finishing touches. He works with every client and guides them through the entire process from start to finish, from picking the colour, shape, and design of the hat to, if you are in Vancouver, this includes custom measuring your head to ensure the perfect fit.
Even every online order receives that same attention to detail. During a 45-minute bespoke consultation, which can be done via phone or video call, Jaxon will ask questions to learn your unique style, preferences, and personality so that he can create the perfect custom piece. This includes guidance on choosing a felt colour that compliments your wardrobe and a crown shape and brim size that best suits your face/head shape.
Crafting uniqueness is also key, and Howell suggests different design options, including the band, stitching details, and the signature nail finish, to suit your style best and help you select personalized design details you may want to add, like a favourite quote, lucky number, family heirloom, special name, initials, or dates.
All hats are conceived, constructed, and delivered worldwide in an 8-10 week window and arrive in a custom Jaxon Howell hat box.
SUSTAINABILITY & PRIORITIES
Howell prides himself on creating custom, handcrafted hats to assist sustainably minded fashion lovers in escaping the harmful cycle of buying, donating, buying, and donating.
Howells’s mission is not just about creating beautiful hats, but also about making a difference. Adding a one-of-a-kind statement piece to a client’s wardrobe that will turn heads, inspire conversations, and be passed on for generations fuels the process.
We applaud him for his dedication to being an artisan. He educates clients on eliminating mass fashion production and bringing elegance, pride, soul, and connection back to the closet, all while using upcycled fabrics and carefully sourcing sustainable materials.
Be sure to follow and support Howell as he builds this incredible bespoke brand in our beautiful city!
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].
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