Interview by CYNTHIA ALTORISO
photography by DAVID CARLO
hats by ROD KEENAN NEW YORK

CYNTHIA ALTORISO: In a sentence or two, tell us what you do.

ROD KEENAN: I design and produce bespoke hats and headgear.

How did you discover your talent?

By hanging out with a French Milliner named Lola Ehrich on St Marks in the East Village.

Tell us about early influences re what you do.

I grew up with a mother who wore hats throughout my life. And, obsessing over handcrafts.

Tell us about an early creation…one of your first works.

I produced a Jockey’s cap from one of my father’s ties from the 1970′s. I designed headpieces for mannequins in my mother’s bridal shop.

Who is your client or market….who buys you?

People in the performing arts, designers, architects and others who appreciate unique pieces and fine craftsmanship.

Name some high profile projects.

Headpieces for Maira Kalman’s installation at Sony.  Headgear for the artist formerly known as Prince,  Jamiroquai, Elvis Costello, Justin Timberlake, scissor sisters, Sacha Baron Cohen, Swarovski, CFDA, Converse, Simon Doonan for Barneys New York, Dries Van Noten Antwerp, 7th avenue designer’s runway shows and many top secret clients who like to keep it on the DL.

Name some people you admire.

Daphne Guiness, Iris Apfel, Dries Van Noten, Banksy.

Do you have a favorite place on your studio?

Wherever Ferris, our Blue Burmese, is.  He’s usually in the middle of the action.

Do you have a favorite tool?

An old brass thimble from Portabello Road in London.

Do you have a favorite color?

Midnight.

Do you listen to particular music while in your workplace?

Anything goes.

Are drop- ins welcome?

That depends on my travels.., usually.

Do you have rules re your workplace?

No cigarettes (I quit).

What was your most challenging project?

The CFDA application.

If you can choose anyone from history to do a project for or with, who would it be?

Vreeland, Beaton, Marie Antoinette.

What  places on earth call to you?

The Middle-East.

Is there a particular fragrance that you love?

Thunder in a blizzard.

In a fire, what would you grab to save?

Photos.

What do you do to relax?

Gardening, travel.

What has been your favorite most beloved project to date?

Maira Kalman.

If you had to change careers, what would you do?

Costume historian.

When you first came to town…who did you work for or with?

The French Milliner, Lola and Broadway Milliner, Woody Shelp.

Do you have a good luck charm or talisman?

Ferris the Blue Burmese, my brass thimble, and my father’s ring.