10 Questions with Sarah Sokol

by Rowell Concepcion

Sarah Sokol's journey into the world of millinery began in 2013, sparked by a transformative experience at Burning Man. Inspired by the vibrant creativity and self-expression of the festival, Sarah found herself drawn to the art of hat-making. Since then, she has pursued her craft with unwavering passion, earning recognition for her bold and innovative designs. Known for her penchant for crafting large statement pieces and her willingness to experiment with unconventional materials, Sarah has emerged as a visionary in the field of millinery. Her headpieces have adorned the heads of numerous A-list celebrities, including Beyoncé, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Janelle Monae, and Billy Porter, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the fashion world.

I had the opportunity to ask Sarah a few questions.

RC: What fascinates you most about millinery?

 SS: What excites me most about millinery are the infinite possibilities. Colors, designs, shapes, styles—the essence of what you can embody in different hats is what makes it so fun.

RC: What is the most challenging or rewarding piece that you have worked on?

 SS: I have two to share! Janelle Monae’s “Camp” hat tower in 2019 and Billy Porter’s 2020 Grammy hat. Janelle’s Met Gala hat was my first Met Gala and first time working with Janelle and Christian Siriano. We created such an iconic look that was the epitome of Camp. I believe Billy’s Grammy hat was the first of its kind to include a motorized fringe on the red carpet. It was the hat seen around the world. It was immortalized at Madame Tussauds in 2023 when Billy chose that look for his wax figure. 

RC: Do you have a favorite memory while working on a custom commission?

SS: I was the first American milliner to showcase at The Royal Ascot Millinery Collective. It was a challenging design that took me through all the emotions of design development, but it was such an enormous accomplishment.  

RC: Do you have a muse?

SS: The materials I work with are my muse. They inspire me when I explore ways of manipulating and transforming them. 

RC: What film or show can you watch again and again?

The Devil Wears Prada is a classic.

RC: Rapid fire questions: What’s your sign?

SS: Pisces.

RC: A night out or a night in?

SS: In!

RC: Would you rather travel to the past or to the future?

SS: Future.

RC: Sweet or savory?

SS: Savory.

RC: Lastly, Movie or TV show?

SS: TV show.