Milliner Albertus Swanepoel leaves an enduring legacy
Visionary designer and talented milliner, Albertus Swanepoel leaves an enduring legacy. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, he initially captured the world's attention with his award-winning ready-to-wear label, Quartus Manna. Fortunately for the us, Albertus brought his creative energy to New York City in 1989 where he immersed himself in the world of millinery at FIT studying under Janine Galimard, previously of Balenciaga.
His exceptional talent blossomed as a freelance milliner, which included theatrical collaborations with Broadway costume designers like Lynne Mackey on productions like Kiss Me, Kate and Mamma Mia! Albertus honed his editorial eye as Style Editor for Martha Stewart Weddings. And his talent soon caught the attention of top designers, leading to collaborations with Carolina Herrera, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, and Marc Jacobs for their coveted runway shows. Albertus was also asked to design collections for the major retailers J.Crew, The Gap, and Target.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Albertus was a cherished mentor and friend. His passion for design, coupled with his kind and generous spirit, inspired countless individuals. We will deeply miss his creativity, his joy, and the indelible mark he left on the hat fashion industry.
What Albertus meant to our members…
“Albertus was a gentleman, soft spoken and with a gentle humor. He continued to grow as a designer by exploring new materials and tapping into his South African upbringing for unexpected textiles and trims." - Linda Pagan
"Albertus was my first paying gig as a milliner. I helped him finish runway hats for a few designer shows and when it was done he asked me where else I wanted to work. I gave him a name and he said he knew them and to call their studio on Monday. He got me in the door for my next job and I was always grateful for his generosity and lightness that he found in his hats. He seemed to really enjoy his work and it showed. I've always remembered to find pleasure in my hats and clients after spending time with him." - Cassie MacGregor
“I always looked up to and admired Albertus. The concentration on shapes with daring trims, there was always something magical about what he created, wearable and beautiful millinery dreams that came true.” - Jennifer Hoertz
“It is hard to understand how Albertus could be gone from us. I remember meeting him first in the old Manny's Millinery and I think he was with his then wife and they were looking at the big flowers they used to have... It's fuzzy because that was maybe 35 years ago and just one of those spontaneous meetings that always happened there. Then he was one of my students, and I think that's where he became friends with Lola... So many lovely people, sharing ideas, sharing ambitions have passed through the doors of FIT and it's heartwarming to think how he and Lola continued their friendship in a business that encourages secrecy and competitiveness. But that's what Albertus was like. Generous and kind. And funny. Not laugh out loud funny, but wry and intelligent funny. Self deprecating too, which drove me crazy, because he was fabulous. We didn't see each other much recently since we were both working nutty hours but once in a while I would knock on his door after shopping at Manhatco (which was probably annoying). We enjoyed talking about Met Opera goings-on and I'd give him the skinny on what was in the works. It's just too sad that he left this world so soon. Rest in peace, my friend.” - Janet Linville
If you’d like to hear Albertus’ thoughts on fashion and theater millinery, listen to his conversation with fellow milliners Janet Linville, Cigmund Meachum, Arnold Levine, and Tommy Cobau.
