Lucy Rae McFadin Is Bringing Hats Back

The self-proclaimed hat queen gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of her new headwear brand, Ditsy.

Lucy Rae McFadin’s hat obsession goes back to age 6, when a pink-and-black-striped Claire’s cap became a wardrobe staple. The fascination stuck, and years later, after building a career as a model, stylist, and D.J., Lucy still found herself searching in vain for headwear as considered as the rest of her closet. Confident she could fill the gap, the self-proclaimed hat queen set out to create Ditsy in 2025, dreaming up playful, off-kilter hats for fashion lovers who don’t take themselves—or getting dressed—too seriously. Ahead of her brand’s launch, McFadin brings us along as she shops for fabric in New York’s garment district, shoots the first campaign, and puts the finishing touches on the hats she hopes will soon be in your closet.

The finished Layered Beanie being modeled in the campaign :’) It was an exhilarating process to turn my ideas into a brand.

July 2025. One of my first visits to the garment district. I probably spent four hours in this office space alone, touching different swatches and trying to learn how each material moves.

Our first collection is made entirely from jersey material. Soft, breathable, and designed so it can be worn throughout every season.

Care-label process.

Major shoutout to my boyfriend, who quickly became our graphic designer, P.A., finance team, and problem-solver overnight. I genuinely couldn’t have done this without him <3

Signs from my TikTok comments that I was on the right track. Self-proclaiming myself as the hat queen from now on, pls and thank u.

March 2026. Wear-testing our Convertible Scarf in the wild!

One of my favorite things about the garment district is how much still happens the old-fashioned way. I walk in, explain what I needed, and come back four weeks later to finished labels. A refreshingly trusting process with 0 confirmation emails.

Receiving our first finished products in May was a surreal moment. Most of my career has existed online, so finally holding something I’d brought from an idea to a physical product felt incredibly rewarding.

Moving onto the fun stuff…we shot ecom in June on the beautiful @kingsephi!

And the stunning @heyeloisa! The epitome of the Ditsy girl and forever my original muses.

One of my best friends @jardnassac styled both of our shoots! I am so grateful to be surrounded by such talented and creative individuals <3

Announced the launch date the only way that seemed fit…a 5-foot-long custom bussdown wig made by @mari4l3jandra.

Campaign fitting photos…I told Cassie the vibes were “cool girl goes to summer camp.” Fittings are always one of my favorite parts. I love playing dress up.

ROAD TRIP TIMEEE! Whoever allowed me to rent a 14-passenger van should probably be fired lol.

Making it work with D.I.Y. clothing racks in the cabin.

The campaign was shot by my dear friend @tanyar. Tanya is literally a jack of all trades and somehow a master of them all too. It’s incredible to watch.

The simple life.

A true passion project at play.

Now we prep for launch day. August 20th at 12 P.M. E.D.T. on www.ditsyheadwear.com. See you there!!!

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