Although his initial plan was not to specialise in hats, he quickly realised that this accessory allowed him to combine design and personal expression. "It's like painting a picture, each hat is unique and reflects the individuality of everyone," he adds. All of his hats are handmade in his workshop, a central aspect of the brand that emphasises the uniqueness of each piece.
Towards new horizons...
For his first participation at the Who’s Next trade show, Reinhard seized the opportunity to explore a new market and observe the reception of his designs. "I wanted to see how the show worked and how the public would perceive my designs," he explains. The collection displayed perfectly embodies the brand’s DNA: a unique blend between object and human. "My hats are made to adapt to their wearer, with a certain spirit of 'destruction' to make them more comfortable and authentic," he reveals. It’s this duality between functionality and art that makes his creations so distinctive. His past experiences have reinforced his desire to participate in international events like this, to explore new dynamics.
A fitting trade show for a niche brand...
Reinhard sees Who’s Next as a vibrant stage, where excitement and opportunity mix. "The energy is palpable, the crowds are bustling, and the exchanges unfold with inspiring spontaneity," he shares. For an artisanal and unique brand like his, this event becomes a living canvas where his craftsmanship can shine, standing out amid a sea of creative diversity. His clients, mainly from Europe, particularly Switzerland and France, find a rare space here, conducive to strengthening authentic and lasting relationships. Beyond these encounters, the show also opens the doors to new international connections, promising an even broader horizon of opportunities.
Who’s Next and artisanal creation
For Reinhard, the diversity of offerings at Who’s Next and its dynamic atmosphere are major assets: "The show is well organised, but I wonder if grouping all the milliners together would create more coherence," he notes. Despite this, he recognises that the show allows him to confront his creations with market realities. "Being here forces you to see what really sells, it's always a positive point for learning and observing," he concludes.
Through a strong artisanal approach and a passion for continual experimentation, Reinhard Plank stands out with his constant pursuit of novelty and the distinct uniqueness of his creations.
