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At spring events like the Kentucky Derby and Boston’s own “hat luncheon,” the Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s annual Party in the Park, hats have long shaped the conversation—an expected flourish of brim and bloom marking the start of the season. In recent years, however, the role of the hat has evolved, from celebratory flourish to considered craft.

Leading that charge locally is Ellie Jian Millinery, the Newton studio founded by Ellie Ayati-Jian. Trained in architecture and interior design, Ayati-Jian brings a structural sensibility to her work, approaching millinery less as ornament and more as wearable design. Her hats—ranging from floral fascinators to structured couture pieces—are engineered with intention, balancing form, proportion, and comfort. “What drew me in was the energy and sense of community around derby events,” Ayati-Jian says. “They bring together fashion, tradition, and celebration in a very social way.” That social element remains central to her work: She’s a familiar presence at Boston events, often modeling her own designs to show how even bold headpieces can feel approachable.

This Ellie Jian Millinery pink fascinator is anchored by deep blue handmade flower. / Photo by Steph Larsen / Styling by Abby Brenc for Anchor Artists

Ayati-Jian’s creative process begins not with sketching, but with research—architecture, art, fashion history, or a client’s personal story—until a concept emerges. She often spends days gathering visual references before touching a single material, allowing a narrative to emerge before form takes shape. From there, she shapes and refines her hats by hand.

Ayati-Jian says toppers incorporating clean shapes, softer brims, and sculptural forms are now trending—which, given the city’s fashion predilections, is a big advantage. “Boston style is generally more conservative, and I think that works beautifully with this direction,” she says. “Bostonians appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design.”

The “Monaco” by IndigoHats is made of silk with a peacock feather. / Photo courtesy of Jaine Davies/IndigoHats

She’s not the only one taking advantage of the recent hat craze. Raised in England near a major horse race, Jaine Davies, whose millinery studio, IndigoHats, is based on the South Shore, grew up immersed in a culture where hats signaled occasion. Her ideas often begin in a small notebook she carries everywhere, filled with details spotted at museum exhibitions and in historical garments. “Couture runway shows are really important to study,” says Davies, who observes the season’s designer dresses closely, translating their colors, embroidery, and silhouettes into hats ready for her studio. She handblocks each piece on traditional wooden forms and sews every hat by hand, pairing time-honored techniques with an adventurous use of materials. Alongside classic straws, Davies works with Dupioni silks, richly patterned textiles, beadwork, and meticulously crafted feather flowers designed to be as light as they are dramatic.

For Davies, drama and discipline go hand in hand. “I want to wow from a distance and impress close up with how well made they are,” she says. Indeed, her hats accomplish exactly that.

The shop’s “Aster” is a pillbox style with quills and sophisticated veiling. / Photo courtesy of Jaine Davies/IndigoHats

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Many Connecticut families are struggling to find housing or living in cramped, run-down apartments that get more expensive each year. Take for example “Sam,” a mother of two in her mid-30s. After fleeing from an abusive relationship, Sam stayed in a shelter for a period of time, but found it difficult to find a safe apartment for her and her children.

In an interview with Dr. Tricia Lewis, Sam said, “When I was first looking for an apartment, it was hard to find one because… the rents are so high [and] because a lot of landlords want cash on the spot. And if you don’t have the cash on the spot, they don’t want to deal with you.” 

Sam looked for several months to find a suitable apartment, being turned away multiple times due to her source of payment, a housing voucher. This search caused a great deal of stress and worry for Sam, as it does for many other Connecticut residents who are priced out or discriminated against in their housing search.

We can do better for our people – Connecticut families need more quality, affordable housing options.

Connecticut faces a housing shortage of up to 380,000 units, and the average renter makes only $22.69 per hour, which is significantly less than the $35.42 required for a modest, two-bedroom apartment.

Under the House Bill 5396 known as “YIGBY” (Yes in Gods Backyard), Connecticut now has an opportunity to address this situation. This bill would make it easier for religious organizations like churches and synagogues to build affordable housing on their own land which often goes untouched. Religious organizations are already in a position to support this being that they look for ways to benefit and support the community around them.

 This approach is not only practical, but also essential. The supply and demand for housing in Connecticut are significantly out of balance. Zillow data shows that rents and property prices have been rising gradually in recent years, putting pressure on individuals with middle-class and lower-class incomes. Renting families will continue to become more unstable as a result of this tendency if nothing is done. YIGBY  provides a cost-effective and efficient means of expanding the housing supply without needing additional land for development.

This bill is particularly important because of the link between housing and health. The affordability crisis is a public health issue, not just a housing problem. Health can  deteriorate when a family’s housing costs exceed half of their income. Families in “cost-burdened” situations are more likely to experience chronic stress, which is directly linked to heart disease and hypertension, and they are less likely to seek preventative care.

Children who experience this degree of housing uncertainty are exposed to toxic stress, which has an impact on their long-term academic success and brain development. Stable housing allows individuals to maintain employment, access healthcare, and build supportive social networks. It improves mental health, lowers ER visits, and makes children’s surroundings safer. In this way, investing in housing is also an investment in public health infrastructure.

YIGBY guidelines, according to their opponents, might give religious organizations unique rights to override local zoning laws. It is important to note that zoning regulations have frequently been utilized to keep affordable homes out of high opportunity neighborhoods, perpetuating racial and economic segregation.

The YIGBY strategy lowers needless obstacles that impede prompt solutions; it does not entirely eliminate oversight. “Restrictive zoning is one of the biggest constraints on housing supply in high-cost areas,” according to housing expert Jenny Schuetz. If Connecticut wants to increase housing access and health outcomes, these limitations must be addressed.

Connecticut lawmakers should move quickly by passing YIGBY legislation. By doing this, religious organizations could re-purpose their property, more affordable housing options would be available for Connecticut families, and one of the primary causes of health disparities in the state would be addressed. More importantly, it would show a commitment to innovative, community-based solutions that prioritize human well-being and dignity.

Isabela Lizano is a junior at Sacred Heart University, majoring in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health.