Behind the Bonnet: How our surroundings, past & present, shape our style

This past summer, we launched our solar bonnet, an unexpected addition to our first collection. This made-to-order piece was born after a conversation I had late winter 2024. Someone dear to me had a simple request. She had been wearing a plastic rain bonnet during the rainy months in Los Angeles earlier in the year, and asked if I could make a more modern version. I said I would love to try.

The plastic rain bonnet, as we know it today, emerged in the mid 20th century as a means of protecting women’s hair from the elements. The transparency of the plastic material allowed women to show off their hairstyles without compromising their look in the rain, wind, snow or humidity. Over the years, these bonnets - commonly associated with old ladies and modesty alike - have fallen out of favor with younger wearers. However, there’s been a recent resurgence of modern interpretations of bonnets and their predecessors (think Medieval or even Amish-like headwear) materializing from independent designers to couture runways. 

Today, I am interviewing the artist behind the inspiration of our bonnet, Katie Mann, (who also happens to be my girlfriend).

Hannah Yesmunt: Hi, please introduce yourself :) 

KM: My name is Katie Mann (she/they). I've been a freelance makeup artist for the last 15 years, and more recently I’ve taken the role of Art Producer & Culture Editor at Submission Beauty.

HY: What sparked your interest in conceptualizing a modern take on the traditional plastic bonnet?

KM: My original inspiration came from growing up in Buffalo NY, seeing my great aunt, grandmother and other older women in my neighborhood wearing their plastic rain bonnets to protect their perms. Often these women were coming or going from church, Sunday breakfasts, or their hair appointments. I loved the contrast of the shiny plastic with their heavy winter coats, leather gloves, beige panty hose and clunky heels or nursing shoes. Something about the juxtaposition said glamour to me. Maybe it reminded me of old Hollywood. Then living in LA for the last 6 years, I experienced a lot more rain than I anticipated! So I ordered some plastic bonnets and found that for me, they didn’t fit so well, slipped a lot, and I hated the crinkling in my ears. 

HY: What message or emotion do you hope your modern bonnet conveys to its wearers?

KM: I hope the modern iteration communicates tactical protection while still giving glam. I want wearers to feel confident yet comfortable. I think that the typical association with older women or modesty is dissolving a bit, and I hope people see the practicality and purpose of them, as well as a different stylistic choice compared to a baseball hat or something. 

Scroll to see the product development process!

HY: Being based in Los Angeles, what has the response been as you’ve been wearing the modern bonnet?

KM: People have been really excited! It seems like whenever I’m wearing one, people are delightfully surprised, always asking “what is it?” or “where do I get one?” I see a lot more brands doing bonnets, but I still think the sporty silhouette is unique to ours.

HY: Have you been surprised at people’s responses to when you are wearing the modern version?

KM: No, I knew it was a hit. I trust my taste. 

HY: Anything else you would like to share?

KM: I could have never imagined the direction and details that you were going to bring to it! From the first iteration that you made, I knew that I trusted you with this project for a reason. I loved being able to execute this idea with you.

I find myself sitting back and adoring the final product Katie and I conceptualized together. Bringing to life Katie’s vision was so fulfilling, and reminds me of the power that garments hold. What we wear matters. They tell a story. I am reminded that as much as we are constantly looking forward in fashion, being connected to our past is an endless source of inspiration. Those little moments of awe we have as children are worth remembering and exploring. I think our younger selves would be very excited to know we were listening to their ideas.

Interested in collaborating on a future idea together? Please don’t hesitate to reach out on our contact page.