Meet the Rhode Island Hat Maker Turning Old Textiles into Pure Magic

Phillip StGermain never planned to become Rhode Island’s resident hat whisperer, but that is exactly where his creative path led. His brand, SaintArtPhilly, started with a simple problem: painting created too much waste, digital art lacked the tactile joy he wanted, and his first try at turning old denim into a bag felt a bit too crowded in the upcycling scene. Hats, though, opened a fresh lane.

His first attempt was, in his words, “pretty bad,” but he kept at it until the craft clicked. Now he has a loyal fan base that cannot get enough of his one of a kind, wearable art.

To Phillip, wearable art is more than a catchy phrase. “Each hat takes on a life of its own. I never know what the finished piece will look like until it’s complete,” he said. That mix of surprise and soul gives his work its spark. He wants people to feel confident when they slip on one of his creations, knowing, as he likes to say, “Nobody else will ever have a hat that’s the same as theirs, no matter how much they spend.”

Phillip’s process leans hard on reclaimed materials. Inspiration can strike anywhere. It might be denim from a cousin, a pillow sham, or a rice sack. “Fabric is everywhere,” he said, and he proves it every time. Thrifted belts become hat bands. Found feathers turn into finishing touches. Unexpected details become part of the magic.

At the center of his work is a commitment to slow fashion. Phillip describes it as emotional, psychological, and spiritual. He believes garments should last long enough to carry memories, and he does not shy away from calling out fast fashion. “No one will ever make a quilt from shirts they bought on Shein,” he said.

With the holidays on the horizon, his hats make a standout gift. “It’s personal. It’s not mass produced,” he said. And he has more in store. A new design called the Bonnie Bucket is on the way, along with a sewing class for anyone who wants to learn. Shoppers can find his work on Etsy at Saints Trading Post, and follow along on IInstagram and Facebook to keep up with his latest creations and updates.