Profile
Hats Off
By JUSTINE AMODEO
Marsh & Magnolia, a custom specialty hat shop, offers a personalized hat-making experience at Hotel Bennett.
Charleston locals Erin Engebritson,
Adele Cisco, and Kristin Smoak three best friends with a shared love for fashion and creativity dreamed up Marsh & Magnolia as a way to bring a unique, hands-on hat customization experience to the Holy City.
Their aim: To create a fun and memorable environment that provides both visitors and locals alike with "an immersive and memorable hat shopping experience, where individuals can unleash their creativity, have fun and walk away with a hat that truly reflects their style," the founders say.
Marsh & Magnolia
owners (left to right)
Erin Engebritson, Kristin
Smoak and
Adele Cisco sporting
their custom hats.
Hat Making
Recently opened on the street level of Hotel Bennett facing King Street, Marsh & Magnolia allows guests to work one-on-one with a skilled hat stylist to create a felt or straw hat that is uniquely their own. Theprivate-label hats bring an array of styles, colors and specialty drops to coincide with Lowcountry events year-round, such as the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, "a huge event in the Lowcountry that aligns so well with our brand," says Engebritson.
"With the majority of the events taking place downtown, many of which are right next to us in Marion Square, it's the perfect weekend for a specialty drop," says Smoak.
Fashion Forward
The shop offers two styles of felt hats, handmade in the USA by a fourth generation family hat maker who has been crafting the highest quality hats since 1921. "The Luxe, our 7x beaver fur felt hat, is our most popular hat and is available in seven different core colors Whiskey, Onyx, Gunmetal, Oyster Gray, Linen, Driftwood, and Goldenhour," says Engebritson.
Marsh & Magnolia's expert team of stylists guide guests through the entire hat design process, ensuring a truly one-of-a-kind creation. Guests start by selecting a style from an array of women's, men's and children's hats and begin the custom hand-shaping and fitting process. The possibilities for personalization are limitless, with a vast selection of design details available, including hat bands, ribbons, pins, stitching, charms, feathers, and brands.
The Shop
There's truly something for everyone men, women, and children, Cisco says. "The Luxe line features customizable open crown designs, allowing us to tailor every detail, from brim length and shape to crown style, creating a hat that perfectly reflects each customer's unique taste. Our stylists collaborate with customers to personalize and accessorize their hats, offering options that range from bold statement pieces to timeless, understated classics.
The goal is to provide a collection of hats and accessories that lets people express themselves whether they're feeling bold, playful, or effortlessly classic."
The space features coastal, modern decor, a custom hat bar with a shaping and fitting station and retail area with locally sourced products and accessories. Inspired by the Lowcountry lifestyle, guests can expect upbeat music, complimentary local beverages and a fun atmosphere that is "made for every kind of good time." Marsh & Magnolia offers an experience for everyone including birthday parties, company events, bridal parties, mommy-and-me-outings, team bonding and girlfriend getaways..
The founders say Hotel Bennett felt like the perfect match because "it embodies everything we wanted for Marsh & Magnolia refined, yet approachable. Located in the heart of Charleston, it's a space where locals and visitors come to celebrate Southern charm with a modern twist, which aligns perfectly with our our brand," Cisco continues. "Plus, there's a sense of occasion at Hotel Bennett. Whether you're stopping by for a rooftop cocktail or a weekend getaway, it's a place where people come to feel special and what better way to enhance that feeling than with a beautifully crafted hat?"
Hotel Bennett Boutique
Complementing the Marsh & Magnolia experience, the newly opened Hotel Bennett Boutique showcases exclusive collections from renowned designers like Holderness & Bourne, Varley, Emerson Fry and acclaimed local brands like Brackish.
Shoppers can also find a selection of designer sunglasses, while jewelry pieces have been handpicked to reflect the elegance of the Holy City including selections by Rachel Reid and Eden Presley. The Boutique also offers a variety of gifts and home decor such as candles, hand-painted ornaments, branded cups and glassware, and more.
Contact Us
For advertising inquiries, please contact [email protected]