For Delphine Quirin, her grandmother’s trunks were the treasure chests of her childhood. The dresses, costumes, and disguises they contained would take on a fundamental importance for the future designer. And already, above all, hats were at the top of her childhood wonders.
Later, her studies in art history at the University of Liège allowed Delphine to build a veritable database, with a marked preference for the talents of artists as diverse as Vermeer, De La Tour, and Edward Hopper.
In 1996, after training as a milliner, Delphine Quirin set up as an independent designer and created her first hats, unique and custom-made models, primarily for ceremonies. She then opened a store in the historic heart of Liège and continued to weave the canvas for what would soon become the full and complete expression of her personality. Open to all processes, she soon discovered knitting, which, little by little, became her preferred technique. In Paris in 1999, she made her mark by attracting attention with a mini collection of gloves, scarves, hats, and—of course—hats, made from mohair and boiled wool.
Delphine had found herself. The milliner now created regular collections, presented and sold at major trade shows in several European countries, the United States, and Japan.
Through her inspiration and desires, Delphine Quirin achieved her goal. She restored the hat to the forefront of elegance, while freeing it from the mothballs of conventional models. She transformed it into an everyday accessory, practical and lightweight, suitable for all occasions. Subtle blends of colors and designs, Delphine’s hats reflect the contemporary melting pot of cultures and ideas. While they have no intention of subsuming themselves into the ephemeral cycle of fashion, they are in tune with the world around them and write their own story every day.
Proud of her roots in Liège, Delphine Quirin refuses to resort to industrial manufacturing. Her creations are handcrafted by a small team of knitters, embroiderers and seamstresses, which allows her to oversee all stages of production while taking meticulous care to ensure the flawless finishing of her stitches.
