Janko Hlpka

Refined hats

• Janko is the last milliner in Sarajevo
• He learned his skills from his father
• He runs the millinery business with his wife

Janko Hlpka is the last remaining hat maker in Bosnia’s capital. Originally Slovak, he inherited the family business in Sarajevo. Janko has many loyal customers, including singers, actors and other artists from across the Balkans. His hats are worn by popular public figures, such as Rade Šerbedžija, Božo Vrećo and Dino Merlin. Today, he runs the business with his wife and hopes that his children and grandchildren will take over and continue to do what he and his father have been doing for decades. Given the changing of fashion styles and the evolution of the fashion industry, Janko tries to make his handcrafted pieces contemporary.

Interview

Haris Calkic ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Calkic ©Michelangelo Foundation

How long does it take to make one hat?

It is a slow, demanding process that requires many stages of work. It’s not that easy to make a hat but I love it and enjoy it. It usually takes a whole day to make one, but it depends on the model and the materials that I use.

Who are your most frequent customers?

My customers are usually older people, men and women who are used to wearing hats. Generally speaking, the younger generations have a slightly different style. Luckily, I still have clients who consider hats as part of their identity and who always come back to me.

Are a lot of your clients celebrities?

Yes, but I don't like to single anyone out. To me, all my customers are equally important and it is essential to me that every single one of them – from the first to the last – is happy with my hats and enjoys wearing them.

How long do you plan to practise this craft?

I have lived in the world of hats since I was twelve, when my father started introducing me to this business. I'm still young: I'm only 67 years old, you know. I plan to do this craft as long as my health serves me. And I hope it will do for a long time to come.

Janko Hlpka is a master artisan: he began his career in 1982 and he started teaching in 1990

Works

Haris Calkic ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Calkic ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Calkic ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Calkic ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Calkic ©Michelangelo Foundation

Where