Factory Tours
ByVlada
From her studio in Midtown Manhattan, Vlada Kabatyanskaya breathes new life into the art of hat-making as the owner and creator of ByVlada, a modern-day millinery brand. Despite beginning her career in finance, Vlada eventually found her true passion in artisanship.
“I wanted to do something creative with my hands, because, you know, my nine-to-five job was not very rewarding. I started off taking a lot of different classes to see what interested me. At first, I just did photography, and then I kind of ventured out. I started taking some classes at FIT and I learned how to sew. I even took a few classes on how to make handbags where I had to travel around the entire tri-state area sourcing scraps of leather” says Vlada. However, it was only when a friend suggested a millinery class that Vlada’s outlet was found. “I took a class, and I loved it. It was just like love at first sight.”
Since starting in 2017, Vlada’s journey in millinery has been one of learning and growth. “It’s good to take yourself outside of the comfort zone, learn something new, and then, through all the effort and the pain, you see how these wonderful pieces come to life,” says Vlada. She recalls learning to use origami techniques taught by an Amsterdam-based hat maker during a weeklong workshop hosted by the Milliner’s Guild: “The number of hours it took to make that little hat was painful, but it was very rewarding to see it come to life.“
The appeal of millinery, Vlada explains, lies in its accessibility and the ability to create something beautiful with minimal tools. "You can block the material and shape it over anything, even a wooden bowl, to create a headpiece. It’s fascinating to sculpt something with your hands out of nothing.”
Accessories, Vlada says, especially bespoke, handmade ones, can help a person stand out from a crowd, even when everything else about them remains the same. “Handmade accessories, made well, will last a lifetime,” says Vlada. “They are unique, and not mass-produced, so you won’t find the same kind of thing on someone else.“
ByVlada is a family-run business, with each member playing a crucial role. “My husband helps with IT and engineering, my sister handles PR, and my mom crochets many of the pieces. It’s a family effort: even my toddler tries his best to get involved!”
Running a business in New York City comes with its challenges, particularly the high costs associated with manufacturing. Vlada laments the decline of stores in the Garment District, which makes sourcing materials more difficult and expensive. “A lot of cool stores have closed down. I wish there were more opportunities to buy supplies locally,” she says.
Vlada is committed to sustainable practices in her creative processes. "I like to work with remnant inventory, vintage scarves, neckties, and pins. I go to flea markets and find cool pieces. I try to repurpose and remake materials to create something new.” As her company grows, Vlada is determined to remain focused on quality and sustainability. Luxury items at an affordable price are challenging to craft, she admits, but it’s the goal.
Despite the challenges, NYC is still the perfect place for Vlada to develop her creations. “New York gives you so many opportunities to show off your style,” says Vlada. “You could buy a hat specifically for an event, or you could buy a hat—and now you need to find an event! It goes both ways.”
To find your own hat to show off, visit the ByVlada website.