We were lucky to catch up with Anne Depasquale recently and have shared our conversation below.

Anne, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As a child, I intuitively knew I was destined for an artistic path, and it remained my sole career aspiration. My passion for design was solidified at 14 when my mother, a high school acquaintance of Betsey Johnson, introduced me to her iconic Soho boutique, and I was struck by the kaleidoscope of colors and energy, cementing my desire to build a design career in New York City.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I intuitively knew I was destined for an artistic path, and it remained my sole career aspiration. My passion for design was solidified at 14 when my mother, a high school acquaintance of Betsey Johnson, introduced me to her iconic Soho boutique, and I was struck by the kaleidoscope of colors and energy, cementing my desire to build a design career in New York City.

I am a graduate of prestigious Rhode Island School of Design aka RISD with a BFA in Textile Design. Initially, I pursued a career in corporate fashion, but soon realized that working with my hands was essential to my creative fulfillment. While exploring alternative paths, I drew inspiration from my grandfather’s affinity for hats. This led me to enroll in a millinery course at Parsons, where my passion for making hats was sparked.

As a milliner with a foundation in classical Broadway training, I create distinctive hats that bring clients’ visions to life, blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge materials suitable for everyday wear and special events. Notable designs include my signature 35 mm film fascinators, intricately sculpted headpieces, classic felt cloches, groovy faux fur to luxurious profile hats adorned with feathers and flowers. With contributions to 13 TONY Award-winning productions, such as The Lion King, The Cher Show and Moulin Rouge, and features in The New York Times and prominent international fashion magazines like PEOPLE and BAZAAR, my expertise is highly regarded. I have also designed bespoke pieces for celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson. My guiding principle remains: ‘Free your mind and your head will follow, and no matter where life takes you, make it special

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

For years, I endured undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, which led me to doubt my intelligence, talents, and strive for perfection. This self-doubt, coupled with inexperience, resulted in having my designs stolen. In retrospect, I would advise my younger self that imperfections are acceptable and seeking guidance from mentors and research is essential. It’s crucial to recognize that others may not possess superior knowledge, and learning from setbacks is vital for growth and success.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As an artist, the greatest reward lies in self-expression. I derive immense pleasure from crafting customized items that transform clients’ dreams into reality, crafting tailored items that translate clients’ aspirations into tangible reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annedepasquale.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/annedepasqualemillinery
• Facebook: annedepasqualemillinery
• Linkedin: annedepasquale
• Other: Tik Tok @annedepasqualemillinery (Broadway to the Beach)

Image Credits

Anne DePasquale, Anne DePasquale, Florin Harrison, Julia Baumgardner, Gail Hadani, Genie Edgarton-Warburton, Abigail Pope, Edith Hernandez-Iyer, Anne DePasquale