The Journey of a Hat-Maker
The heart and hands behind Triburi
Simona Bitiusca is a Milan-based hat maker and the creative force behind Triburi.
Fueled by a love for experimentation and a dedication for artisan traditions she crafts high quality bespoke hats using unique trimmings, natural fibers and upcycled fabrics.
A life shaped by hands
Originally from Romania, Simona spent years living between cities, working as a model and experiencing worlds far from her own.
Along the way, she grew closer to what felt real — learning, connecting, shaping with her own hands and the imperfection that comes with it.
Her journey eventually brought her to Milan, where shaping hats became a reflection of the way she had shaped her life.
From Wonderer to Maker
In Italy, Simona found herself immersed in a culture deeply rooted in craftsmanship, a place with one of the richest legacies of artisan work. She learned the traditional techniques of hat-making, but the essence of her journey came from figuring things out on her own, a process of constant experimentation.
Her studio is where the hats are born, each one shaped by hand with care and a bit of magic. It's a space where she plays with textures, colors, and forms to bring her vision to life. Whether it's a vintage ribbon or a fabric she found in a hidden market, every detail tells a part of the story.
'I am inspired by the feeling of liberation. I've met many people in their process of self-discovery, in their moments of revelation about their life purpose and their past. And that inspires me - the sense of liberation, when you feel you don't need to prove anything to anyone, and you desire to be you, just as you are, unique. That's how I create, different hats, with a common core, but each hat evolves in its own language.’