Meet The Designer

 

 MEET THE DESIGNER!

maria curcic hat maker millinary

Maria Curcic Millinery

Canadian Couture Milliner | Handmade Hats & Bespoke Headwear

Victoria, BC & Calgary, AB

Maria Curcic creates one-of-a-kind handmade hats, fascinators, and couture headpieces for weddings, special occasions, theatre, film, collectors, and clients across Canada.

Watch Maria’s story:

 

Watch Maria’s story — from Paris-inspired beginnings to 30+ years creating handmade millinery in Canada.

Victoria, BC and Calgary AB, creating bespoke hats and fascinators for every occasion.

My Story

Paris-born with a lifelong appreciation for fashion and design, Maria Curcic began creating hats for high-end boutiques in Canada and the United States in the early 1990s.

The success of her designs led to the opening of her own Calgary boutique, Le Chapeau Rouge, in 1994. In the late 1990s, Maria expanded into wholesale, supplying handcrafted hats to more than 15+ boutiques across Canada and the U.S.

Her background in design includes Interior Design studies at Mount Royal University, graduation from the Alberta College of Art and Design, and advanced millinery study with Melbourne-based milliner Louise Macdonald.

In 2024, Maria celebrated 30 years since opening her first millinery boutique.


A Career in Wearable Art

Maria’s creations have appeared on screen, including CBC’s Frankie Drake Mysteries, and continue to be collected by clients who appreciate original craftsmanship and timeless design.

Beyond millinery, Maria is also a recognized artist and creative collaborator.


Custom Creations

Today, Maria focuses on custom hats and bespoke headwear — from elegant everyday pieces to statement designs for weddings, events, theatre, and special occasions.

Every piece is individually designed and handcrafted. No two creations are exactly alike.

See something you love? Maria can create a new piece inspired by the design, using similar materials and techniques, while keeping each creation unique.


Upcoming Events & Pop-Ups

Join Maria’s mailing list to be notified about upcoming pop-ups in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and beyond.


Custom Orders

Custom commissions are available by consultation.

Please note:

  • Some pieces may be made to order.
  • Custom creations require individual design consultation.
  • Custom orders are final sale.

 

Today, Maria focuses her attention on custom creations, from everyday wear to hats for any occasion. She is also a recognized artist www.curcicfineart.com and a Dj at www.radioradio.ca and  at djmaryflavors.

One-of-a-Kind Creations & Custom Orders

Every Maria Curcic creation is individually designed and handcrafted by the designer. Each piece is unique and never mass produced.

See something you love? Maria can create a custom piece inspired by your favourite design, using similar materials while ensuring your new creation is one-of-a-kind.

Please visit the Sold / Commissions section to explore past designs.

Join the mailing list to be notified about upcoming pop-up events in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and beyond.

Some pieces are made to order and may require up to two weeks for completion. Custom orders are final sale.

—————— STOCKISTS——————

CANADA:

Heart and Sole shoes in Victoria BC 

  Antiquaire in Inglewood, Calgary AB ( Store is closed- online only)

Durand bridal boutique , Calgary AB

Beau Chapeau Hat shop – Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

USA: 

Puttin on the Glitz, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Paloma Gutierrez Gomez profile picture
Paloma Gutierrez Gomez
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Exclusive designer hats made with passion! Art that we can wear on special occasions or in our everyday life. Excellent personalized service and with high-quality materials.
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Michael McCafferty profile picture
Michael McCafferty
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Maria is an incredibly talented milliner, creating stunning hats and fascinators with exceptional craftsmanship. She uses only high quality materials, and every piece is truly unique. I'ved purchased hats for my daughter and friends as gifts, and they've all absolutely loved them. I highly recommend reaching out to Maria to see what she can create for you, or explore the beautiful pieces available on her website. Michael.
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Franchesca Lee profile picture
Franchesca Lee
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I've always had so much trouble finding a hat to fit me. My head is quite small and have been looking for a sun hat that would not only fit but not flop in front of my eyes. Maria's beautiful studio is amazing and we went through options for different styles and fabrics. Thank you for making me my hat Maria! I love the bright red band.
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Meghan Doyle profile picture
Meghan Doyle
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Maria Curcic's beautiful bespoke headpieces are truly works of wearable art. I love the versatility of being able to wear it in my hair to elevate an updo or pin on to garments and handbags for added pinache. So unique and chic!
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Nehal Hussein profile picture
Nehal Hussein
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Beautiful work!
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Sasha Tanoushka profile picture
Sasha Tanoushka
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Maria is an absolute gem; her commitment to her craft is outstanding and you can feel her love as you wear her art creations! Maria is engaging and intuitive utilizing her experience and savvy as she guides someone in the selection of their headpiece of expression. Every design curates an opening story for the hat-wearer to tell. Thank you Maria!
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corinne lowrey
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I have bought several hats and all of them are gorgeous. The attention to detail and the quality of the hats is exceptional. I am always pleased with the outgoing nature of Maria in ensuring that you have the perfect hat for you.
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Darlene Chambers profile picture
Darlene Chambers
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I collect hats and these are my favorite hats of all time. They are so beautiful and they fit me so well. Maria is so easy to work with I can’t wait to buy another creation of art!
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Jo-Anne Fan profile picture
Jo-Anne Fan
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I have many of Maria's hats and as a regular person, yes you can find many opportunities to wear these works of art. Are you ready to stand out and get tons of compliments? I've worn my hats to a wedding, an engagement reception and a gala. Absolutely affordable given the details and creativity. She also makes them for children.
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Kimberly Grant profile picture
Kimberly Grant
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Maria's design sense and style is fabulous, her hats are true works of art. I absolutely LOVE the hat she designed for me and get constant compliments. Thank you!