Ruslan Baginskiy is a renowned hat designer hailing from Ukraine who blends the timeless features of conventional hat fashion with his innovative and distinct creative style. As per the article available on amberhats.com, his designs appeal to both casual and extravagant lifestyles, and are available in a variety of styles for women, as well as for eccentric men.
In addition to local milliner shops and pop-up stores overseas, Baginskiy has a strong social media presence. He began his career as a stylist for local model agencies before venturing into designing his own practical and aesthetically appealing headgear. Baginskiy’s hats are favored by various celebrities including Taylor Swift, Emily Ratajkowski, Camila Coelho, the Hadid sisters, Janelle Monáe, and Madonna, although he states that his designs are suitable for everyone. Although a Baginskiy hat may come with a higher price tag than that of the mass market, it is still considered affordable.
Baginskiy’s Signature Hat: Baker Boy Cap
Like all great designers, Ruslan Baginskiy has a signature item: the baker boy cap. This classic style has been reinvented by Baginskiy and has become a favorite among modern fashion enthusiasts. In addition to the baker boy cap, Baginskiy creates a variety of headpieces, including bucket hats, headbands, berets, and straw boaters.
Originally worn by working-class people like newspaper boys, fishermen, and farmers in the nineteenth century, the baker boy cap became popular among the upper class as well. It later gained even more popularity through cinematography. Baginskiy’s version of the baker boy cap is made of genuine wool with a genuine cotton lining, proudly crafted in Ukraine. The black version of the cap is particularly trendy and versatile, featuring the tridimensional RB embellishment and gold-tone pin, believed to bring luck according to Ukrainian tradition.
It is important to take care of the baker boy cap to maintain its shape. To prevent distortion, it is recommended to use a special box when transporting or storing it. Stuffing the cap with tissue paper and wrapping the crown can also help maintain its shape. Baginskiy’s baker boy cap can be purchased for $260 and up, depending on materials and customization requests.
Here are three stylish hats that you can wear for any occasion:
Monogrammed Fedora Hat: This classic yet modern fedora hat by Ruslan Baginskiy features a subtle monogram embellishment and is available in black, making it easy to match with any outfit. It has a unique shape, a cotton edge on the brim, and the brand’s signature initials. This hat is popular with both men and women and is priced at $420.
Wool-Blend Beret: A simple yet practical item, this wool-blend beret in a pleasant grey color can easily complement any outfit, regardless of the shade. According to Baginskiy, it brings playfulness and drama to any casual look. It requires gentle treatment and is priced at $220.
Houndstooth Lampshade Bucket Hat: This black and white hat is made of a cotton and acrylic blend and features a houndstooth pattern with Ukrainian interpretation. It’s perfect for both vintage and modern fashion enthusiasts and is priced at $240.
These hats are available for international delivery via Nova Poshta Global and DHL Express, except for customers in Russia, Belarus, and Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Ruslan Baginskiy, the Ukrainian hatmaker, had a challenging start in Paris during his first season in 2016. However, he quickly gained popularity by utilizing social media and connecting with influencers and stylists through “Instagram” to sell his hats. While it may be difficult to replicate this success today, Baginskiy’s brand continues to grow.
In 2019, Baginskiy participated in Paris Fashion Week and showcased his collection of hand-made hats, unveiling his creative and artistic side. He incorporated contrasting elements, using delicate golden wheat ears, handcrafted flowers, and even medical bandages to adorn soap busts created by Mariia Kulykovska. He also used jewelry wreaths, a straw hat resembling the sun, and hauberk-inspired silicone masks adorned with white silky inflorescence, produced with a 3D printer that alluded to recycling issues.
Baginskiy’s approach merges folklore techniques with modern technologies, combining traditional embroidery and natural patterns with the principles of jewelry art. Each grain on the wheat ears was cast from gold or silver and strung by hand, with the same level of professional craftsmanship as Chanel couture ateliers.
RB logo’s importance
The importance of the RB logo in Baginskiy’s hats was demonstrated when the designer produced a batch of elegant, high-quality hats without the logo. However, one of the brand’s loyal customers requested that the logo be added back, stating that the absence of the logo was a problem and that stylish girls refused to purchase the headgear without it. Despite not being a fan of logomania, Baginskiy agreed to bring back the logo, commenting that it was what people wanted.
Logos are present on a variety of Baginskiy’s headgear, including beanies, fedora hats, baseball caps, and scarves. However, some items in the Sparkle Mania collection, which features crystal-embellished hats, do not have the logo. These include a balaclava mask hat covered entirely in crystals, a favorite of Madonna. The website describes the headgear as being about “the opulence of irony and courage” and “your inner glow, crystallized into bold style.” In addition to crystal-adorned bucket hats and baker boy caps, the collection also includes RB monogram brooches and necklaces.
Ethnic crafts researcher
Baginskiy’s knowledge of ethnic crafts goes beyond being a native Ukrainian. He frequently travels to the Carpathian Mountains to research and study the diverse folk techniques unique to each region. Baginskiy’s inspiration often comes from nature, and he spends time in forests seeking new ideas and revitalization.
Baginskiy’s passion for hats is not just a personal interest, but also a shared professional one among his friends and family. The brand’s CEO, Andrii Bubela, is Ruslan’s former classmate. Petr Yasynskyi, another friend and business partner, was even featured in Paris Fashion Week street style reports. Baginskiy’s parents are responsible for the production process, while his brother manages the purchase of high-quality materials.
Baginskiy’s close ties to his origins and devotion to family traditions embody the unique spirit of their motherland, which is located in the heart of Europe.