DORÉ

How would you describe your style?
Half Japanese/Half Dutch.

You’re known for having a uniform, how did that develop?
I love uniforms. There’s something so unique in their simplicity. Sometimes it’s wonderful to present your outward appearance as simple, so that the intricacies of the mind can really come through. I think one part of me really connects to this aspect of expression, but there’s also another part of me that is more unrestrained and colorful and complex. This is when I like to quiet my thoughts and let others’ visual perception of me do the talking.

More than anything, hats are your signature. Have you always loved them?
I’ve always had an affinity for them. A hat tells a lot about a person. It’s just one more element that conveys an unspoken story that otherwise would have gone untold.

I love uniforms. There’s something so unique in their simplicity. Sometimes it’s wonderful to present your outward appearance as simple, so that the intricacies of the mind can really come through. I think one part of me really connects to this aspect of expression…

Do you think it’s really impacted the way you pull a look together?
A hat always completes a look, so I would say yes.

Is it a complete rarity to see you without one?
If you know me on an intimate level, it’s not so rare.

What kind of hat appeals to you most? Why?
Anything dramatic. I love the curiosity it creates in its presence.

Are there hats that you would never wear?
I’ll try anything once.

Your love for hats, was that influenced by anyone?
My grandfather on my mother’s side wore one every day of his life. He was a true Dutch gentleman. I had always respected his elegance and exquisite nature that he exuded when I saw him in his hat. Perhaps on a subconscious level I’m trying to emulate him and his sophisticated spirit.

Can you tell us a little bit about your collaboration with Stetson?
We began a dialog last year in regards to collaborating on a hat design for their 150th year anniversary. I was honored to be a part of such an iconic and timeless brand. I wanted to design a piece of art that reflected my artistic pulse and also the pulse of the brand. It had to be powerful and, at the same time, graceful and refined. Something that evoked an unwavering response to time and space. Its lines had to be renowned and grand in stature. With that in mind, I created “The Signature” hat which in turn was the perfect representation of both our worlds combined into one.

And any advice on how to take care of hats, and how to style them?
The more wear and tear the better. Honestly, it gives it – and you – more character.

I had always respected [my grandfather’s] elegance and exquisite nature that he exuded when I saw him in his hat. Perhaps on a subconscious level I’m trying to emulate him and his sophisticated spirit.