Meet the Makers: The Montappone Collection
The Belfry Italia Women’s line has evolved into the Montappone Collection, a celebration not only of beautiful design, but of the artistry behind Italian craftsmanship. Named for the region where these pieces are created, the collection draws its inspiration from Montappone, Italy, a village renowned worldwide as a center of millinery tradition.
Three distinguished makers, Carina, Complit, and Hats & Dreams, are involved in creating this collection. Each brand brings its own unique story, aesthetic, and philosophy. Together, they represent the very best of Italian headwear, seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary design.
Carina: Feminine Classics for Modern Living
Founded in Montappone in 1999, Carina S.R.L.S. is a relatively young company for the region but 100% certified Italian and rooted strongly in the artisan heritage of its region. Their philosophy is all about “style without borders” absorbing global influences, incorporating cross-cultural details, and producing designs that are both wearable and elegant.
Carina’s hats balance clean, understated lines with warmth and functionality. One of our favorite lines from Carina are there wool knits in classic silhouettes like cloche, bucket, and turban styles. They are beautifully dyed with rich color and lined for softness. In warmer months we look for their packable women's styles of lightweight linen, cotton and straw, perfect for travel and casual beach days.
Complit: Distinctive Design & Stand Alone Style
Founded in 1989 by a group of five young entrepreneurs with deep ties to hat making and the regions of Montappone and Massa Fermana, Complit embodies three generations of passion for the craft. What began with traditional straw weaving has evolved into a globally respected artisan brand, rooted in heritage yet constantly pushing creative boundaries.
Complit’s designs are bold, expressive, and unmistakably distinctive. They offer one of the widest ranges of styles for women, suited to every occasion. Their event hats and fascinators are more akin to wearable art than simple accessories, crafted from lightweight sinamay and sical straw, materials that take dye beautifully and can be shaped into striking, sculptural forms.
Even their more casual brimmed styles receive the same level of thoughtful design. Complit frequently experiments with layering materials, blending unexpected textures, and incorporating handcrafted details through hand-painted finishes, delicately placed rhinestones, and additional finishes that add a subtle yet surprising touch. Another standout is their embellished berets, a customer favorite that transforms an easy, everyday style into something elevated and refined.
Hats & Dreams: Imagination in Millinery
The brand Hats & Dreams is the creative extension of Cappellificio Vecchi, a family business in Montappone with roots dating back to the early 1900s. Today, under the leadership of Maurilio Vecchi and Fiorangela Dichiari, the company continues to celebrate its four generation heritage, producing hats that are at once romantic, artistic, and impeccably crafted.
For Hats & Dreams, a hat is more than just an accessory, it is a “symbol of identity and imagination.” Their designs are known for soft, flowing shapes and richly detailed finishes, bringing a sense of playfulness to classic women’s styles.
The wool cloche is one of their signature pieces, a staple they have continually reimagined while preserving the timeless qualities that make it so beloved. They are also a go-to for beautifully crafted summer designs, often featuring bold patterns and textured materials like their signature ribbon hats. In addition, Hats & Dreams excels in creating packable raffia styles that are perfect for everyday wear, special occasions, and travel. Each piece reflects a thoughtful balance of creativity, comfort, and effortless style.
Why We Love Our Montappone Partners
We work with the makers of the Montappone Collection because they represent what we believe great hats should be, well made, thoughtfully designed, and rooted in true craftsmanship. These are family run businesses with generations of experience, and that heritage comes through in every piece. Each partner brings something unique: Carina’s understated elegance, Complit’s bold creativity, and Hats & Dreams’ soft, romantic approach. Together, they create a collection that feels both diverse and cohesive.
What really stands out is the consistency in quality and care. From the materials they select to the way each hat is shaped and finished, there’s a level of attention that’s hard to replicate. They respect tradition but continue to evolve, keeping their designs fresh and wearable. For us, these aren’t just suppliers, they’re true partners, helping us create hats that not only look great but also carry a story and a sense of place.
