Reka Reek, the owner and founder of Kroonz Wear, a handmade hat company known for its one-of-one styles, has a unique style all her own.
“I actually hate being in a box. I’m extremely claustrophobic,” said Reek.
Kroonz Wear features a wide range of designs and color palettes from brimless hats to denim tall-brimmed top hats, cork-textured bucket hats, and oversized leather berets. Each hat is hand-sewn and designed by Reek herself.
And well… the eclectic outfit worn by Reek is one that’s a bit difficult to compartmentalize. She wears gold jewelry around her neck that catches the light with a bright shine, and her hands are filled with gold wire-made rings. Her bright orange oversized glasses pop out to the naked eye. Her one-of-a-kind earrings are made entirely of neon orange and green yarn, slightly covered by her ginger-colored locs. At the top of her head rests a cloth hat sewn together from magenta, green, and orange fabric, which she made herself.
“The hat I’m wearing was actually influenced by the guy from Fat Albert,” said Reek, as the brim naturally fell over her eyes.
She was referring to the Dumb Donald character from the iconic 19070’s cartoon series.
From a young age, the Atlanta-based milliner was drawn to the expression of hats.
“I would go through my nana’s wardrobe and pick out some of her church hats, then go ride my bike in them,” said Reek. “As empowering as she appeared, wearing them was as empowering as I felt playing in her clothes.”
A product of a military household, Reek says moving to places like Germany, Oklahoma, and Tennessee shaped her creative eye.
“I was definitely always different because I had so much influence—based on my environment, my travel, my experience in life—being a military brat,” she said.
Constant exposure to different cultures and styles as a kid expanded her view of fashion.
In 2017, Reek started Kroonz Wear after making a kofi for a client’s child using leftover fabric. “They loved it,” she said. Shortly after, she began taking custom orders.
Since then, Kroonz has been featured in publications like GQ and Esquire, and worn by notable figures including Fareedah of Arrested Development and bass player Pastor Funk.
Many of the hats in the Kroonz Wear collection are cylindrical in shape. Reek attributed the design to her African heritage and the symbolism of crowns in African history. She wants people to feel empowered when they wear her hats.
“Like, they literally shift their whole body and their stance,” she said. “It’s like they’re at a chiropractor.”
Kroonz Wear hats are available at the brand’s booth inside Citizens Supply at Ponce City Market or online at kroonzwearco.com.