ETHICALLY MADE, GLOBALLY SOURCED
Handmade in DR & NYC
Discover Our Ethical Process

Jennifer Ouellette’s designs are ethically made in her ateliers in NYC and the Dominican Republic.  For almost 20 years she has been a trailblazer in the realm of ethical fashion production, consistently setting high standards for sustainability and social responsibility in the industry. Her commitment to ethical practices is evident in every aspect of her brand, from the use of eco-friendly materials to the fair treatment of her artisans. Jennifer’s designs are not only stylish and innovative but also crafted with a conscience, ensuring minimal environmental impact and a positive social footprint. Her leadership and dedication have garnered widespread recognition, making her a respected voice and an influential figure in the movement towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

Love and positive energy are instilled into each piece we create. Timeless designs become a part of our customer’s style and permanent wardrobe. Our philosophy is to work with a positive mind and spirit so that our work brings a sense of balance and harmony to our customers and staff. — Jennifer Ouellette
Since starting Jennifer Ouellette Inc. in New York City in 1996, and opening a second studio in Santiago, Dominican Republic in 2009, Jennifer’s designs have been responsibly produced in her private studios.

Jennifer’s sense of design began during childhood days spent in her mother’s vintage clothing store in St. Louis, MO. She continues to combine her passion for vintage fashion with her modern New York City style. Using her needle and thread as an artist uses pencil and paint, she applies her manual sewing techniques to her millinery sculptures with loving detail. She uses traditional hat materials in non-traditional methods and prefers to build trims instead of using pre- fabricated embellishments. All of Jennifer’s hats made of felt and straw are transformed by steam, individually, on antique wooden blocks, a process called blocking. Her exclusive hat block collection conveys incomparable vintage appeal. She teaches her team couture hand sewing techniques that have been passed down to her from generations of milliners, as well as her own meticulous details that set her designs apart. Jennifer incorporates her patented headband construction in her exclusive designs, creating the most comfortable headwear today.

By implementing sustainable practices, Jennifer’s studios and designs are environmentally friendly. She prefers natural materials over synthetics to construct her products. Hand and machine sewing are used instead of glue when ever possible. She utilizes soft materials for her products and does not use sizing or stiffener, which is common practice throughout the industry.

In 2009, her City Scape Headpiece was selected by her mentor to be included in his exhibit, Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones, which opened at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Bard in New York City and at the Peabody Essex Museum.

Jennifer Ouellette’s work is included in fashion’s international periodicals and her loyal customers demand more than shallow trends to compliment their style. Her designs are full of vitality and innovation, with inspirations from history, science and nature.