How Cap-tivating

A familiar face is the owner of new(ish) bespoke hat shop, Rabbit Rabbit Hat Club. The shop spawned from Gwen’s Hat Club; Elizabeth Walston bought out her partner and rebranded with a name that resonated with her. Now the shop is located in Southern Pines above Shiloh Court Bridal Shop in the upstairs of a 150-year-old house, perfect for the hatter who loves character. 

The new name isn’t a nod to Alice in Wonderland, but an old tradition that Elizabeth follows, shouting “Rabbit, Rabbit!” out into the universe on the first of each month for good luck. It was also fitting because the hats are all made of rabbit fur, which Elizabeth says is one of the most durable and sustainable materials available. Its natural fibers are water repellent, UV-protective and built to last for generations.

Elizabeth says hats are both functional and “wearable art.” Each hat can be made specifically to your head shape with whatever accessories you’d like such as ribbons, pins, feathers, branding and more.

“Sadly, most people probably haven’t ever experienced something made bespoke. It changes the entire fit,” says Elizabeth. “People don’t even have the same shape eye or thumb, they won’t have the same shape head. Thousands of hats made in a factory at once won’t look the same.” She can make every silhouette, from a fedora to western style hat. “With the bridal shop downstairs I’d love to explore more bridal hats as well,” she says.

• Research is Elizabeth’s favorite part of the business. She even uses tools made from as far back as the 1920s — well, minus the mercury, no mad hatters here. In addition to making custom hats, Elizabeth is also passionate about restoring or reworking old hats you may already have. “In my research, I blame Elvis and JFK for the death of hats. They both had great hair,” jokes Elizabeth. But she’s a firm believer that quality hats are on their way back into mainstream fashion.

The store is open by appointment or by luck.