Lilliput

With her innovative modern design, sumptuous materials, and vintage hat-blocking techniques, Karyn Ruiz of Lilliput Hats has become one of Canada’s preeminent milliners. 

Working from her shop / atelier,  on College Street in Toronto’s Little Italy neighborhood, Karyn and her team of highly skilled associates handcraft, block and sew each hat to exacting specifications. Using traditional techniques and fine craftsmanship, every hat is handmade by a person, not a machine, lending continuity to the long, valued tradition of fine millinery. 

In the almost three decades since she began fashioning one-of-a-kind creations, Karyn has become the go-to milliner for people seeking a special event head-piece or something fun for every day enjoyment. Her extensive collection of new and antique hat blocks and high quality seasonal materials allow her to produce a range of shapes, sizes and styles that will work for women and men, for any occasion.

Karyn created a series of hats for Gord Downie as the Tragically Hip embarked on their final Canadian tour. The wide-brimmed hats embellished with intricate leather and feather trims quickly became iconic and images of her hats now adorn the logos for both the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research and his beloved Chanie Wenjack Fund. Her hats have also been worn by Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, who sported a black pillbox at an official meeting with Pope Francis, as well as by clients including Rachel McAdams, and Whoopi Goldberg. 

We have a wonderful selection of hats created especially for us by Karyn which will add a stylish touch to any outfit.   Once you try a Lilliput hat you won't want to take it off!