Hats off to Dani Griffiths
Dani Griffiths is the founder and designer behind the highly coveted hat label Clyde. Raised in Vancouver, BC, her early passion for designing and knitting hats grew out of a practical need as a snowboarder. As her tastes and interests evolved over the years, so did Clyde. Inspired by a fashion-focused mother and a childhood spent religiously watching Fashion Television, Dani moved to New York City in 2008. There, she worked as a buyer and merchandiser while laying the groundwork for Clyde.
While Clyde's origins trace back to British Columbia, Canada, Clyde gained real momentum in New York and beyond, where Dani cultivated a network of artisans and production houses. What began as a line of hats hand-blocked in New York has since expanded to include gloves sewn by a legacy family-owned company in Italy, artisan handbags from a New Jersey workshop, and a range of fabric and leather hats tailored in Manhattan and Los Angeles.
Turning Heads
Clyde’s unique designs and resourceful use of materials have caught the attention of top publications, including Vogue, WWD, Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times, T Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.
Clyde collections possess a sculptural beauty while maintaining an effortless wearability- a balance perfected through hand finishes and considered designs that are thoughtfully reworked season after season. Inclusivity and ethics are firmly rooted in the world of Clyde. Clyde prioritizes female-owned producers and tailors, grounded in the belief that people of every age, gender, and background should feel comfortable and welcomed in high fashion. Ultimately, Clyde aspires not just to be a part of the wearer’s story, but to help tell it—encouraging individual experiences that impart personal meaning to every piece.
Clyde as Statement Pieces
We love Dani and Clyde for the distinct creative expression and thoughtful attention to detail in every piece. It’s inspiring to see how Dani’s vision comes to life in each design, and how each wearer interprets and welcomes Clyde hats into their wardrobe. Distinctive and difficult to find anywhere else, Clyde pieces are truly covetable designs meant to be cherished and passed down.
Read our conversation with Dani below, and get to know the story behind the goods.
Q&A: What’s the most worn / meaningful piece in your closet? Why?
This little vintage Bottega bag that my mom passed down to me last year. It's joined me at some really meaningful events this year; I love to have her there with me in spirit.
Dani's Moms vintage Bottega bag.
Dani working on the SS26 CLYDE collection.
What inspired the SS26 collection?
SS26 was inspired by summer on the road. Last year when I was working on it I was traveling a lot for Clyde, but trying to get days off here and there. The road is definitely imbued into this collection. I was approaching it with the mind frame of: can I wear this in several environments with different looks? Will it be easy to travel with? What doesn't look like everything else that I'm seeing out here? I liked the idea of creating hats that would be relevant for several seasons and even have trans seasonality. Like, what feels good when you have an edited closet and you want a few hats you'll reach for a lot.
How did your business come to be?
I started making hats as a teenager in White Rock, BC, Canada. I was a snowboarder and made really fun crocheted hats under the brand name Clyde. After that I kept going, and as I evolved so did Clyde. Despite being a snowboarder I grew up with a mom who was very into high fashion, and we would watch Fashion TV ritualistically when I was a child. I moved to New York in the early aughts and slowly cultivated Clyde into the design house it is today.
Dani's summer bag essentials.
What’s your summer bag essential?
Headphones, Caudalie lip balm, notebook (yes I still believe in the pen and pad), Dior Lip Glow in soft nude, cowboy hat, a bikini in case I need to do a last minute dip.
"Jeep" by Kim Petras
What song inspires you?
"Jeep" by Kim Petras. It's the perfect saccharine summer song that embodies 2000's angst (IYKYK). I recommend listening full blast singing it with the windows down. My girlfriend Margo also produced it.
What trends are you loving for spring?
I'm loving layering colorful cotton tanks and the mix of sporty with femme. Like some track shorts with a gauzy lacy cotton top. This combination to me is truly summer sexy, but maybe that's because I'm an Aries and always on the go.
What’s your favorite local spot for a bite?
Chiso Cafe at Dada Market. It's a Japanese home cooking pop up cafe in Echo Park, LA, by my friend Kiki Kudo who is near to my heart. She's a very thoughtful chef and underground techno dj. When I'm back home I go to my sister Colette's cafe The Federal Store. I've definitely designed some Clyde hats outside there. It's the best place to sip coffee and let your thoughts wander.
Chiso Cafe in Echo Park, LA.
The Federal Store in Vancouver, BC.
Favourite place in the world?
I'm not the best at picking just one, but honestly Vancouver. The air, my family and friends, the ocean. They're all really important to me and to my creative practice. I appreciate the grounded-ness I get from knowing I can return. I think it's a natural power spot for sure.
"Walking through Clear Water in a Pool Painted Black" by Cookie Mueller.
What are you reading right now?
I've been dipping in and out of Cookie Mueller's 'Walking Through Clear Water in a Pool Painted Black' for a while now. Legend.
What is your go to snack?
Vietnamese Summer Rolls with some Chiso hot koji oil added to the sauce.
The view from Dani's window in Elysian Heights.
Favourite scent?
I'm not the biggest perfume girl, but I love ambient fragrance or a good rotating cast of incense. The air in my neighborhood Elysian Heights. It smells like flowers for most of the year in a very ethereal way.
Browse Clyde below and shop the complete collection at Hill's Dry Goods.