Hats have always held a special place in fashion, serving not just as accessories but as expressions of identity and style. Today, we are thrilled to share an exclusive interview with Lindsay McConnon, the creative mind and co-founder of one of our favorite hat brands, Freya. With a unique vision and a commitment to quality, she has transformed the way we think about headwear. In this conversation, we’ll dive into her inspiration, the journey of building the brand, and what sets Freya apart in a crowded market. Whether you’re a hat enthusiast or just curious about the story behind this beloved brand, there’s something here for everyone.

Let’s tip our hats to Lindsay and uncover the beauty behind the brand!

Where and when was the brand founded? 

The brand was founded in 2017 in San Francisco when I was living there with my co-founder, Linsay Radcliffe.

What was the catalyst in starting the brand?  

We started the brand out of attempting to solve for the difficult nature of traveling with a hat. Our first product was an Italian-made leather hatbox.  

What is the dream for the brand in the next 5 years? 

We'd like to continue to grow our hat business while also building our brand extensions into more casual beachwear and artisan-made accessories. 

Do you have a favorite collection or piece to date? 

My favorites always evolve with what's new and different in our collections because the new items seem less like "work" since we haven't spent as much time marketing and selling them, Right now, I'm loving the Begonia from our Fall 24 collection. It's a stiff ivory hat with a flat brim wrapped in layers of a beautiful, splatter-painted silk trim.

What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now? 

I have a few vintage blazers from Commes des Garcons that are deconstructed and pair great back to soft, worn-in denim.  

If you could be from any other decade (or era), which would it be?

I would be from the seventies!  I love that women wore their hair loose and long and allowed their clothes to express their desired freedom of movement and sexuality.  I also love the vibrant, psychedelic prints and artisanal details. 

If you could have any three classic icons over for dinner – who would they be?

I would have Jean-Michel Basquiat, Georgia O'Keefe and Frida Kahlo. I love to surround myself by art, and these are some of the legends of the 20th century who always inspire me.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Eek - I would like to live the sort of life that is too boring for movies. No drama please!

Best gift you’ve ever received? 

Paintings from my children are my favorite possessions.  I love to live in a world of their art, so whenever they ask what I want for a celebration, I'm always hoping they'll make me a new piece for my collection.

What does the word “Classic” mean to you? 

Classic means to me that something endures over time and holds its value. 

QUICKFIRE:

Dark chocolate or milk chocolate: MILK

Coffee or Tea: Matcha

Favorite Classic Movie: Wizard of Oz

Never without: electrolyte tabs

Color you couldn’t live without: green

Your favorite accessory: my evil eye necklace

Your favorite wardrobe piece: faded patchwork vintage Levi's

Favorite city: Tokyo

Last trip you were on: Japan

Last book you read: Pachinko

If you were a color it would be: Green

If you were a texture it would be: fuzzy

I’m a firm believer in: getting outside every day

I’m deeply grateful for: my family and friends

The world needs more: compassion

If you had to pick one Classic Six piece, what would it be? The Katharine Blazer!