Lisa McFadden is a force in the world of millinery and fashion design. With over two decades of experience in New York City’s fashion industry—spanning illustration, fashion and technical design—McFadden made a bold move in 2014, launching her Bronx-based brand, LISA MCFADDEN MILLINERY, following the success of her now-iconic ‘CRUSH’ hats.
Heralded by Pierre Cardin as a designer who “knows her job,” McFadden has made her mark not only with her distinctive headwear but also through collaborations, mentoring and even fashion filmmaking. Her work has been featured in major outlets like Vogue Runway, WWD, and GoldenGlobes.com and showcased in special installations at the Met with the Milliners Guild.
As Lisa McFadden Millinery celebrates its 10th anniversary—now on view at the Black Dress II: Homage exhibit at Pratt Manhattan Gallery—we’re thrilled to sit down with her and discuss her creative journey, her inspirations and what’s next.
When did you start and why?
I actually started making hats in Atlanta after taking an elective millinery class while earning my BFA in fashion design. After graduation, I moved to New York City, worked in the fashion industry but found that I was losing my creative voice. In 2003, I had long locs and made the first CRUSH Cap for myself because I couldn’t find a hat that fit. The positive response to its versatility, function and the happiness it brings my clients continues today.
How does your business feed the community?
I spent a lot of time doing in person sales at pop ups and trunk shows. I still enjoy them. There’s nothing like getting direct feedback from my clients and potential customers. A Crusher’s smile is contagious!
It’s all about the happiness a hat brings to the wearer. She or he takes on a different persona and I can see it immediately once the hat graces their head. People feel lighter, confident and, in the case of the CRUSH Cap, become a co-creator of their personal style. The handmade headwear I create as a milliner is a beautiful and powerful punctuation of undeniable self-confidence that’s noted with a head nod or “you’re wearing that hat.” Either way, hats spread cheer, respect, encourage conversation and everything in between.
What have been your biggest challenges in business?
Covid was truly the biggest challenge for my business and overall survival. It was at a time when I was preparing a new marketing initiative and to focus on more in-person sales opportunities to grow brand recognition and cash flow. Well, I pivoted like everyone. I wanted to help in some way and resourcefulness was key. So, I made masks and eventually got back to hats. Fortunately, I warehouse a good deal of fabric, have a fully operational workspace and the skills to keep things moving. Most importantly, I had the support of my newsletter subscribers, with whom I’d already built a strong foundation. That’s when I realized just how important it is to stay connected with my clients.
Where do you see your business in five years?
LISA MCFADDEN MILLINERY will be known globally as a top headwear company for destination and special occasion dressing.
What has been your proudest moment in business?
There have been many, including special installations at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and collaborating with iconic designers like Stephen Burrows and Byron Lars. Most recently, I am so honored to show my handmade headpieces among so many top Black fashion luminaries in the Black Dress II: Homage exhibition at Pratt Manhattan Gallery in NYC. Seeing my name on the wall listed among these and other pioneers in the industry “who continue to shape fashion history” is quite surreal to me. After all, many of these creatives are people whose work I admired in magazines in hopes to one day meet. Some I have and some I’ve worked with and now here we all are. It truly feels amazing.
