Complete your outfit at this new Kelowna hat boutique

Some people believe a hat is something that does not fit their style.

But Rio Branner, owner of the new downtown hat shop, Rio Branner Milliner & Merchant, begs to differ.

“Every major city in BC - Vancouver, Victoria - they all have their major hat shops,” Branner told Kelowna10. “And Kelowna is ready for it.”

Inside her store is a bevvy of styles sure to be the perfect final touch to anyone’s outfit.

“I feel like hats are kind of like that last piece of the outfit that just kind of pulls it all together,” she said. “It gives you this look, and it gives you a feel and a vibe. I think it just creates a whole ensemble.”

Branner’s full turn towards creating headwear was ignited in 2011, with the royal wedding of Catherine Middleton and Prince William. It was an occasion buoyed by beautiful bonnets, but one in particular caught Branner’s eye: the modern ‘pretzel’ piece worn by Princess Beatrice.

By 2020, she had registered with the Hat Academy of Australia, and had begun her formal training in millinery. It has culminated in the opening of her own boutique in downtown Kelowna.

“We carry hats from all over the world,” Branner said. “I also make hats myself, so there’s handmade craftsmanship and a lot of hats.”

The shop carries many global brands such as Kangol and Bailey, but among Branner’s favourites in store are the ones she has spent several hours making by hand, proudly displaying them in their own section.

And for those who say, ‘hats are not for me,’ Branner says au contraire.

“I sometimes have people say ‘Oh, hats don’t look good on me.’ And they come in here and they try all kinds of hats on,” Branner explained. “Before you know it, they’ve left with a few.”