LINDSAY HIBBARD TRANSFORMED HER CHILDHOOD HOBBY OF MAKING hats into a thriving business that celebrates fashion, art, culture, history and the natural world. As the founder of Riddle Hats, Hibbard creates stunning headpieces that have captured the attention of celebrities and everyday hat enthusiasts alike, all while upholding her commitment to using vegan materials and adhering to ethical practices.
Hibbard had an early and unusual start in millinery. Growing up, her mother was involved in the equestrian community, where hats were not just accessories but essential parts of identity. As a child, she would take simple straw hats and embellish them with beads. “I wore them to rodeos, and they would definitely stand out,” she says.
The path from textile school to professional milliner wasn’t without its creative evolution. As she progressed from simple fabric decorations to increasingly elaborate creations, Hibbard became a trendsetter. “I had a vision of trying to be different and stay ahead of the curve,” she says. Despite the growing interest in her work, she initially viewed it as a side venture rather than a potential career path. “I enjoyed it, but I didn’t think of it as a full-time job,” she recalls.
A pivotal moment came after college when Hibbard spent two years in Northern Ireland, where she deepened her understanding of textiles. “There are a lot of eastern Indian communities outside of London, so I had access to incredible fabric. I had boxes and boxes shipped back to the States,” she says. This experience provided access to materials that expanded her creative palette and further developed her distinctive aesthetic. The continued demand for her hats eventually convinced her to embrace her identity as a full-time hatmaker.
Today, Hibbard operates from her studio in Summerville, South Carolina, which doubles as Riddle Boutique and a hat bar that hosts special events, such as bridal showers. Her business model spans multiple venues, from carrying her creations in local Summerville stores to maintaining a coveted permanent spot at the Charleston City Market, where she works two days a week. “It’s a privilege to have a permanent spot at the City Market. It took about 10 years because some people have been there 50 or 60 years. I’m really grateful,” Hibbard says. The designer also travels to country music festivals and derby events, bringing her distinctive creations to diverse audiences.
The foundation of Riddle Hats is Hibbard’s deep commitment to environmental and animal welfare causes. As a dedicated environmentalist and animal lover, she ensures all her designs are animal-friendly, crafting her hats from ethically sourced materials and vegan leather that mimics the feel and appearance of suede or felt. This choice not only aligns with her values but also makes her creations more accessible, with prices ranging from $200 to $400, compared to pure suede hats that can cost up to $1,200.
Hibbard channels her passion for animal welfare into volunteer work with Paisley’s Bunny Rescue in Bishopville. Her beloved Holland Lop bunny, Ridley, featured on the company’s logo, is the unofficial CEO and hat inspector. A portion of sales from hats featuring bunny pins benefits the rescue. However, Hibbard emphasizes that what the over-capacity organization needs most are adopters for the hundreds of rabbits in their care, many of whom arrive after being given as Easter presents.
The artistry and authenticity of Hibbard’s work have attracted an impressive following, including numerous celebrities. Country singer Lainey Wilson owns more than 20 Riddle hats and has worn them to prestigious events, such as The People’s Choice Awards, and on stage with rapper Jelly Roll. Other musicians, including Charly Reynolds and Cosette Smith, have also embraced her creations.
Hibbard’s range encompasses various styles, from Western hats with curved upward brims, adapted for city wear, to fedoras with flat brims and rancher hats. She was also a trailblazer in creating feathered trucker hats, a perfect example of her ability to innovate within traditional forms.
Perhaps most meaningfully, Hibbard creates hats for life’s most significant moments. For brides, she goes beyond traditional wedding accessories with a thoughtful approach. “I tell brides that we can do the traditional something borrowed, something blue, but I always ask them, ‘What about you?’ and I always ask if there’s someone who can’t be here with them,” she says. One particularly touching example involved incorporating fabric from a bride’s father’s favorite tie into her hat, creating a lasting memorial that now hangs alongside wedding photos.
“I love seeing people have their confidence boosted by wearing one of my hats. I offer people a bag, but they almost always want to wear their new hat no matter the weather or the outfit,” she says. This immediate transformation speaks to her deep understanding that confidence and self-expression are powerful forces, captured perfectly in her tagline: “The right hat can turn a simple stroll into a grand entrance.” *
Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.
