Arturo Rios Hats
ACCIDENTALHATTER: Arturo Rios never dreamed that a part-time job packing boxes in the shipping department of hat manufacturer Fashion Matrix Inc. would eventually lead to becoming a hat designer. The owner and designer of the company, Karen Indreland, recognized Rios’ neat packaging and wrapping skills. With a stack of orders to fill and not enough staff, Indreland recruited Rios to help her sew. “I’ve never used a needle in my life, but I can try it,” Rios recalled telling her. Rios evolved from having “no sense of fashion” to taking over the company in 2006, when Indreland retired after more than 25 years in the business. The designer turns to nature for the adornment of his 1930s and 1940s vintage-inspired hat creations. “I like flowers, but I don’t like the ordinary flowers,” said Rios, who abstractly interprets the leaves on a tree or half of a flower. —R.C.
KEY LOOKS: Staples of the line include prim hats likely to be seen on Sundays at church and vintage-inspired veiled hats. Rios recently expanded the line with casual sportswear-inspired newsboy caps and cloche hats in dressy silk, taffeta, linen and denim fabrics.
WHOLESALE PRICE POINTS: $32–$78
WHOLESALE CONTACT: Leah Goldman, California Market Center, suite A1012. (310) 804-9636.
