A HAT DESIGNER OPENS HER BAG

Since Maryam Keyhani rarely leaves home without an enormous, head-turning hat, it’s no wonder she often catches people trying to surreptitiously snap her photo. Now, the painter, sculptor, jewellery designer and mother of two – who divides her time between Berlin and Toronto – has added milliner to her CV, with an eponymous 10-piece collection of hats she designed with travel in mind. We caught up with the Tehran-born Keyhani after her return from Italy and France, where she test-drove some of her stylish toppers.

WHAT’S YOUR PACKING STYLE? /

Messy. I always underestimate how much I have to pack, so I end up throwing everything in at the last minute. Using a different suitcase for each family member is about as organized as I can be.

HOW DO YOU TRAVEL WITH HATS?

I’d use hatboxes – but that was before kids. Now we have strollers and diaper bags, so I just throw the hats in a large bag and take them as carry-on. If it’s a short trip, I usually bring six or seven hats. And I always come back with twice as many, so I leave a little bit of room for those.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW HAT COLLECTION.

It’s a lot of easy-to-wear straw hats that are collapsible and foldable. One of my favourites is a stacked double straw hat. I love wearing a largebrimmed hat when I travel: you can pull it down so no one bothers you, and it’s dark under there so you can sleep – it’s like having your own cocoon.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY IN BERLIN? /

I like the Soho House, which is in the Mitte district. There’s a rooftop pool and a kids’ club on the weekends, so we can have brunch with friends while the kids hang out.

WHEN YOU’RE BACK IN TORONTO, WHERE’S YOUR FIRST STOP?

I grew up on Persian food, so the first meal I have is always at Banu, a Persian restaurant on Queen Street West.