The name come from a tattoo I have on my body. I got this tattoo many years ago when I was going through some difficult time and some life changes. I feel that name was perfect for the idea of the brand of gettin old things and give to them a new existence.... 

something that come from the past and now is getting to the present in an evolve and different form ...

2. Did you have any passion for other aspects of fashion design before pursuing your love of hats? Or were hats your first adventure into fashion?

I always love fashion.  I was born and raise near to Milan , where the fashion is a big part of the everyday life ... I work in fashion before as well 

3. You mention the four dots representing the elements ( Air, Fire, Water and Earth) on your website. How do these elements play into your inspiration and design processs? 

Well the four dots is also a tattoo I have , not only represents the 4 elements that are part of the process of making hats ... infact  I use all those elements to create a felt hat ..but also the 4 dots in the ancient Mayan symbology are representing the number 4 , which in numerology is my life path number and I’m very spiritually connected with my work .. or my creations 

4. You say you are inspired from Bohemian and Rock n' Roll vibes, do you have any favourite roll models from these genres? Musicians, Artists, Models, etc.

I don’t have anyone in particular , I never had . I’m inspired by art and spirituality in general with a big love for music .. rock n roll in particular cause I grow up with ...but not only ... the brand is mostly inspired by my lifestyle. It’s me ...in my visions when I look into my universe , that’s the way I see it .

5. Could you walk us through the basics of hat creation? Where do you source fabrics, furs, and other decorations and put it into one hat design?

Most of my hats are obtain using vintage fur felts , some are 100%. Some are blends of beaver & rabbit ...or nutria . The hat felt is all based on research and finding it is not so easy if you are looking for certain quality , especially the pure ones ... not so many producer are left in the whole world , so it is a bit of work.  But that is what I like. I like to create something special from special things ...as well as the decorations of the hats. Those are mostly vintage findings put it together into the design to deliver a unique accessory ! 

6. Speaking of Fabrics and materials, do you usually use the same base material for yout hats? Are all hats made of Beaver fur felts? If so, how do you vary the colour and look of them?

The kind of hats that I create are made of fur felts , yes as I explain before are either blends of pure.  And that change the whole feelings on the touch and quality and unfortunately also in the price ! The patina and the colors that I obtain to make them look old of distressed is a combinations of techniques that I developed with the experience and the creativity , but especially with the eyes! You must have “ the eye”! I guess ;) 

7. What first drew your attention to cowboy hats and Fedoras? Was it more the history behind them, or seeing role models wearing this style of hat?

I literally wear hats since I’m a kid , I always being attracted by them. I had a huge collection , i start wearing fedoras later on , before I was wearing more like berret or that was a time I really loved trapper hats . 

After I switch to Fedora I  want something a bit bigger and I start collecting some cowboy .. I like the way the cowboy goes with my style.  And also the quality of its felt is probably the best you can find in the market 

8. The way you name your hats is ridiculously entertaining! Do you come up with the name first, or base it off the design once you know what you're going for? Does it Varry?

I love to play with songs and being inspired by them. So some of the hats have that inspiration regarding the name ... and I feel the names are an important part of the finish product !!

They consolidate the statement of it ! 

9. How do you find your rarest vintage pieces and Materials? Do you visit thrift stores

I do have some place and connection where I can get them , especially cause I’m selecting only certain quality 

10. If you could work with any celebrity’s to create their dream hat, who would you chose to work with and why?

Well , I would definitely would love to make a hat for Axl rose, Johnny deep and an Italian singer I think it would fits those hats  perfectly  Jovanotti. 

WRITTEN BY ZOE BERGERON

WEBSITE: www.ntte.nyc

INSTAGRAM: @ntte_hats

EDITED BY SHO ISHIKURA