Madalina Dadarlat - The fourth generation in the

Blog
12.02.2022
Madalina Dadarlat - The fourth generation in the
12.02.2022


When a tradition is kept with the same passion from generation to generation, only beautiful things bring with it. Madalina Dadarlat is the fifth generation to carry on this legacy that was born more than a century ago. The passion for hats has gone through the times, and the craftsmanship, perseverance, optimism and all the pleasant or less pleasant moments have ensured the topicality of the "Palada Dadarlat" brand. Below we invite you to read some answers about the evolution of this legacy.

Hi, Madalina! We are glad that you have agreed to be part of our People of Alba Iulia project and that you want to tell us more about Dadarlat Hat and your passion.

1. We know that the Palaria Dadarlat brand from Alba Iulia has a very beautiful story behind it. Can you tell us how this was born?

The Dadarlat hat was founded 126 years ago, by my great-grandfather Ioan Dadarlat, in Salistea Sibiului, which laid the foundations of the first Romanian workshop. Secrets have been passed down from generation to generation and to this day we still use some of the legacies we have inherited. We hold on and go back to the origins every time we have the opportunity. We use passion as the main tool in preserving them and we have made a tradition of dating.

2. What does Alba Iulia mean for your business and how does the city in which you operate pack your business?

We are lovers of beauty and we have made a tradition of dating things. We love the craft and try to preserve it at all costs, which is why I chose to return home to Sebes, to continue this business. Sebesul is the place where I grew up and where Dadarlat Palace wrote the last 50 chapters of the 126.


3. Who first taught you how to make a hat and what do you remember about that day?

I spent most of my childhood in my grandparents' village, where the workshop was. Wool has a specific smell, as well as the dressing we use. I grew up in that smell and woke up to the sound of "rain". I was fascinated to cut and sew clothes for dolls from the remains of hats. At that age, to quote Blaga, my wisdom and love were the game, in a workshop that would become my second home 15 years later.

4. What are the steps in creating a custom product and from what materials are the hats already so well known made?

We developed the online store www.palariadadarlat.ro where there are "ready to wear" products, but we also created a platform through which every lover of uniqueness can create a hat depending on their physiognomy, style and great ideas ready to put on their head. .
Our hats are made of wool or rabbit felt.


5. How long does it take to create a hat and where do you get your inspiration for your models?

There is no set time to create a product. I am inspired by everything around me and it helps me a lot to travel. I love to go into the workshop and feel the process with my own hands. To appreciate the new materials that are coming so that I can imagine in what context I would see them. Most of the time I choose to come to the workshop when no one is there. Let me be with me and my hats. :) Let nothing distract me. And for me this process is the most relaxing. I forgot about the responsibility and sank into the silence of the workshop.

6. Is the hat an indispensable item in our wardrobe? What should a person pay attention to when he wants to buy a hat?

The hat is a state of mind, and the hat wearers know exactly what we are talking about. Of course, an evening outfit can always be completed with a Fedora hat or a casual day outfit would always look better with a Panama hat. But the beauty of being a hat wearer is the freedom to choose our mood, to complete an outfit with a hat without it attracting attention or vice versa, to go out of style with an extravagant hat! We can sweeten our outfit or at the same time, we can make it more sober! And because the beginnings are the most beautiful, we have some tips for those who want to choose a hat for the first time. Our recommendation is to orient yourself towards a hat in a neutral color, with small to medium boron, at least until they get used to the idea of ​​wearing something on their head. We are in a permanent relationship with the client, we have an experience of over 126 years in the field and we offer free consultancy to anyone curious about beauty, lover of details, current or future hat wearer.


7. I know that you are currently using your online environment to reach your customer niche. Is online an easier way to approach customers? Do you also participate in fairs?

We currently collaborate with over 130 stores in which we distribute our products. Yes, online has been the basis for the two years of the pandemic, but things are starting to thaw easily. We also participate in fairs, national and international fashion shows and for 2022 we hope for an increase in exports.

8. Is it planned to open a store in the city in the near future?

2022 is the year of change. In Sebes there is also a small presentation shop which is currently more of a workshop than a shop. But until the end of 2022 we are also working on a working museum and showroom that will tell us the whole story. It is my soul project and I am looking forward to finishing the new construction.


9. In the end, thank you very much for your time. Please tell us where your customers can find you and how they can contact you.

The easiest is to find us online, on www.palariadadarlat.ro, and we invite beauty lovers who want to be in touch with all the news to join our community on https://www.instagram.com/palariadadarlat/ and https://www.facebook.com/palariadadarlat/