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Milliner Kim Dye of Topsy Turvy Design has always had a passion for history. From a young age she built elaborate sets and costumes, in an attempt to recreate the bygone eras she’d read about in books. Nowadays, her handmade hats channel this passion and combine her interest in theater, costume, puppetry and architecture. She dreams of the day when everyone will return to dressing up for every occasion with hat and gloves. However, for now she makes do constructing beautifully anachronistic hats for burlesque and circus performers, and the occasional fashion daredevil.
Etsy sent independent filmmakers Anne Alvergue and her husband Michael Isabell, aka milorocks, to visit Kim at her home and studio in Oakland, California. (See Anne and Michael’s film production company’s site, EyeSpyFilms, for more information on their work.)
Want to learn more about burlesque and circus couture? Check out our coverage of this burgeoning fashion phenomenon!
Watch our other Handmade Video Portraits and subscribe to our Youtube Channe
57 comments
Sign in to add your ownJustAnotherDay says:
beautiful!
3 years ago
mermaidclaire says:
Another Handmade Portrait that is right up my alley! What a wonderful look into your process, Kim! Your aesthetic is SO fantastic!!!
3 years ago
TeenAngster says:
Utterly engaging. Such a great art to keep alive! I long for the days when everyone wears hats again and shows off their fashion with flair, individuality and enthusiasm. Brava!
3 years ago
weirdwolf says:
Anne Alvergue did a fantastic job capturing Kim and her gorgeous designs. What a wonderful addition to our Handmade Portraits series.
3 years ago
gothfoxdesigns says:
Wow girl! you have had a busy week!
3 years ago
annettemusick says:
Oh how I love thee KIM!!!! You looked fabulous in your video! I'm so happy for you! I love love love your hats as always! :) xo- annette
3 years ago
NovemberRoseAtelier says:
Your hats are wonderful! Thank you for bringing back the romance of a beautiful hat in a baseball cap world!
3 years ago
Schmutzerland says:
I absolutely love this handmade profile! What an interesting artform! Now I need to find a fancy schmancy place to go to get myself one of those hats!
3 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
wowowowowowowow!
3 years ago
topsyturvydesign says:
WoW- I am uber impressed with Anne & Michael's video wizardry!!! You two are rockstars & it was a total blast shooting this portrait with you- dehydration & all! 95 degrees in Oakland - when does that ever happen?!? Anyhoo, I looove the portrait & thank you etsy for giving me the opportunity to pimp my craft! PS- Goth is always cool ;)
3 years ago
phydeaux says:
Not just fascinating to get a glimpse into the process of designing Kim's really incredible creations, but getting a glimpse into Kim the person! Great video! I've been admiring Kim's hats for so long and never realized we're neighbors!!!
3 years ago
TheHandOfFatima says:
she's just too cute
3 years ago
choklit says:
Stunning! I love this video portrait, and I adore Kim's hats. Thank you!
3 years ago
lara514 says:
sooooo interesting!!! I was captivated by her images a while ago. So nice to get some insight on this artist!
3 years ago
KarmaRox says:
ooooooohhhhhh! I just did a treasury in the west featuring your shop, topsy, then I saw this article! it's divine!
3 years ago
annashoub says:
That was such a treat to see this film. kim is an unbelievable milliner. Thanks for letting us have a glimpse into her creative mind.
3 years ago
missbrache says:
I <3 topsy turvy designs!!!
3 years ago
roadtripjournal says:
Fabulous! What fun! I wish we all wore hats like that too.
3 years ago
RockLove says:
As someone inspired by Kim's work long before my days on Etsy, thank you guys for featuring her talent! One of the more unique artists here in our community :)
3 years ago
matouenpeluche says:
WOW! How cool is Kim? Very inspiring, very creative and a girl who's totally into history - fantastic! Thank you so much for this mini doco!
3 years ago
woeisme524 says:
this is so fantastic! i never imagined such inspiration would come out of the buildings i saw everrrry day of my life! i love oakland, and i love topsy turvy!
3 years ago
bamboobaby says:
That was just an adorable video. Loved it! Great work!
3 years ago
BoringSidney says:
Congrats Kim!! Your studio is great, and I already knew your hats were great. How exciting that millinery is finally get some recognition! Hurray for hats!
3 years ago
lovealwaysxox says:
how fun!
3 years ago
Oliba says:
these are seriously fantastic! i love that architecture is such a big influence in the design process. realy great work!
3 years ago
ArgyleWhale says:
Great interview! I wish hats were still popular; I think I look god in them ;)
3 years ago
BitsfromMissKnits says:
Just Gorgeous!! and fantastic photos too!
3 years ago
sandraeileenjewelry says:
A delightful look behind the scenes of a great art!
3 years ago
iheartnorwegianwood says:
One of my favorite interviews to date! I adore Kims work, and the photography of her items is TO DIE FOR! Ever since I started travelling to London twice a year for my old job, I've become obsessed with hats (they really go all out at the clubs in London) and have even started wearing one or two out for special occasions.
3 years ago
victorianbustle says:
Hi Kim, I'm in awe of your art form... you seem really down-to-earth, and I appreciate that, considering how far you've come! I have a couple questions... first, as a burgeoning artisan, how did you transition from a 9-5 job to doing your art full-time. How did you pay the bills? I ask this b/c I am building from the ground up... and sometimes I get discouraged, b/c crafting and creating requires some pretty intense money upfront - that which I do not have. How do I get myself out there? How do I get beautiful models to model my stuff? I am clueless, and you seem to have it all together... Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I would love to own one of your creations someday. Hugs from the sauna that is the South, Darlene
3 years ago
Noxenlux says:
Yey Kim :) I'm glad to see more hats on Etsy's Storque :D
3 years ago
figmints says:
stunning. delicious. hats.
3 years ago
jewelrybyreshell says:
Simply stunning. Love it. I love the old world charm, it takes me back to the days of glam, beauty, and dress up. A time when ladies looked the part, and men just drooled. I'm a hat, glove, purse and boot, girl myself, thanks to my granny. It's all about the whole package. Love it. Pk
3 years ago
VintageMafia says:
you are awesome! something funky like one of your hats would be great in my wedding.
3 years ago
kittytrishia says:
Oh my gosh KIM!!!! The video is wonderful and I loved getting a sneak peak into your fabulous workshop of wonders! I still get many compliments daily on all of the lovely hatties you have made for me! Love Hugs and Catnip!
3 years ago
Mumbot says:
Innovative and inspirational! Thank you~!!
3 years ago
kalicat says:
I love these little hats called Bibi. So cute and glamour, very sexy
3 years ago
whiletheyplay says:
LOVE it!!!!
3 years ago
AtomicLemonade says:
I have a new appreciation for millinery. Gorgeous stuff!
3 years ago
Mirthquake says:
Oh how I would love to go back to the time too, when women wore hats and gloves.
3 years ago
TheBirthofVenus says:
Kim, Kim, Kim... I am in love with your imagination.
3 years ago
favoredfrog says:
Kim - you are completely delighful
3 years ago
VXIII says:
Etsy, we are sisters... I heard you talk about history (and goth) and your words described the way I think... How did you learn to make hats, I have always dreamed of making hats... there are no classes or colleges I know of, how do you learn?
2 years ago
VXIII says:
Sorry, I didnt realize your name isnt Etsy, its Kim... Your hats are beautiful... Im new here, how do I upload my picture?
2 years ago
LilaJo says:
Yay!!!!! Lila-Jo has always been a huge fan! Super happy to have found your etsy store and to watch the video :) Keep up the awesome work!
2 years ago
LilaJo says:
P.S. I want your sewing room! ;)
2 years ago
naidasnotions says:
what a fantastic video and artist! Very inspiring!
2 years ago
RockabillyLuvrrr says:
I SAID IT BEFORE AND I WILL SAY IT AGAIN, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR DESIGNS YOU ARE SO GIFTED AND I HOPE TO ONE DAY BE ATLEAST HALF AS GOOD AS YOU ARE IN MILLINERY. YOUR WORK IS AN ARTISTIC INSPIRATION, THANK YOU!!!
1 year ago
photogirl12605 says:
LOVE LOVE LOVE Kim such a sweet interview!
1 year ago
lettywhynot says:
this is the best, thanks kim!
1 year ago
LeapARTandVintage says:
Wow! Incredible! Kim you create amazing Hats! I loved the fast forward of making a hat. You are so comfortable making masterpieces, thanks for sharing, very inspirational!
1 year ago
LaBellaDoll says:
I love your story, thanks for sharing. Your hats are spectacular, and the photographer is a genius too. All in all, yours is my favorite shop on Etsy and it personifies what I love about Etsy. The imagination, hand made excellence, knowing a little about the craftsperson behind the product. The story about your mom and dad was great, I am a little younger than them, but my first wedding was hippie wedding too, complete with the flower garland. Marcia
1 year ago
ciaraobscura says:
Gosh. Aren't you just so awesome! I've long been an admirer of your stunning and striking hats. Your designs far exceed the norm and you should feel extra proud of your part in keeping this gorgeous tradition alive. Someday I hope to learn the fine art and skill set of being a true millinery like yourself. In the meantime, I will continue on my hair adornments and admire your hats from afar. p.s. You are so lovely, to boot!
1 year ago
Puppycatmeow says:
Kim!! I am so proud of you for making it here on Handmade Portraits! (I am secretly still goth on the inside also) I am a big fan of yours!
1 year ago
Melindamilkshake says:
Oh yes! I really enjoyed this. Kim is a woman of my own heart. Of course punk and goth are fantastic excuses to dress up! I couldn't have said it better. And naturally, I love your hats. Great inspiration here.
1 year ago
LilyandNancitas says:
As someone who has just started making headbands facanators and gloves, I am so impressed. I learned alot just through the video.thanks so much Nancita
271 days ago
GloriousGirlJewelry says:
What a sweet gal! - Kim, you are so humble, and a talent beyond words - your wonderful photographs of your work do speak volumes though of the artistry, keen eye, and creative imagination you definately have!!...wishing you the best of life, always.
269 days ago