Rahim Ibrahimov

Milliner

Kamal Muradzadeh©Michelangelo Foundation

Never without a hat

Rahim is one of only three hat makers in Azerbaijan
He pursues the heritage of his uncle's craftsmanship
His collection focuses on making traditional caps

In the past, millinery prevailed in Azerbaijan, with almost no one leaving home without a flat cap or fascinator. Today, hat making is yet to regain its momentum, but milliner Rahim Ibrahimov is confident that in a few years his home region will once again be filled with hats, caps and panamas. The start of Rahim’s hat making journey was not without its obstacles, as he recalls spoiling a few metres of fabric when taking over the craft from his uncle. Rahim enjoys the creative process in millinery. Today, he employs age-old techniques, while also adding a touch of modernity into his hats, mainly by putting a burlap inside each one so as to maintain the hat's shape and avoid crumpling, even when washed.

Interview

Kamal Muradzadeh©Michelangelo Foundation

Kamal Muradzadeh©Michelangelo Foundation

How did you learn hat making?: My uncle practised millinery before me. I used to go to his atelier to observe and learn. After he passed away, one of his students stayed on at the workshop, and I worked with him. When I tried to sew my first hat, I spoiled two metres of fabric. That's how I started my hat making journey.
Why did you choose to make this craft your profession?: I have been doing this professionally since 2019. At first, I lacked self-confidence. But the more I crafted the more I realised that my hats were well received, and I began to really love and enjoy it.
What makes your hats unique?: We are currently three artisans engaged in traditional millinery in Azerbaijan. What makes my caps different from theirs is the fact that I put burlap inside each hat. Burlap in a hat maintains the shape, even when washed.
In what way is your craft linked to Azerbaijan?: My hats are all traditional and related to my country. There is great symbolism in hat wearing in Azerbaijan, and in the past wearing a hat was a matter of honour. We have sheepskin hats called papakhi, which is a wool hat worn throughout the Caucasus; eight-sided flat caps, called “aerodrome” in Baku, were worn by the mafia; and ordinary people wore newsboy caps.

Rahim Ibrahimov is a rising star: he began his career in 2019