Hats Off to Winter Warmth
Although Chicago isn’t officially the windiest city in the United States, it certainly lives up to its nickname: The Windy City. Winters here are challenging, with icy nights and biting gusts that cut straight through even the cosiest of layers. For Chicagoans, surviving the winter means investing in serious cold-weather gear that can handle every condition from rain to serious snow. However, any parent will tell you that convincing a toddler or young child to keep a hat on their head is an uphill struggle and comfort is key.
Kate Strong (LGB, 1975) knows this challenge all too well. Frustrated by her daughter’s struggle with typical winter hats, she decided to create something better: a hat that was both comfortable and practical. Drawing on her heritage and skills, she brought her vision to life.
Kate’s Danish roots—Denmark being a country renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship and simplicity of design—provided her with a solid foundation. Growing up, she was surrounded by women who sewed, knitted and crocheted with great care and skill. This early exposure inspired her to pursue a BA in Fibre at Southern Illinois University, where she honed her expertise in textiles. For her creations, Kate chose polar fleece as her material of choice. Warm, lightweight with a soft stretch, polar fleece was perfect for her hats. It even boasts water-repellent properties, making it ideal for Chicago’s unpredictable weather.
Strong Wear began over 30 years ago as Strong Kids, a line of children’s hats and reversible coats. Now Kate focuses on women’s hats using the same emphasis on comfort, practicality that was so essential for kids combined with style and creativity to make truly exceptional hats.
Each piece is handcrafted from start to finish by Kate herself, using premium hi-tech fleece sourced directly from Malden Mills, the inventors of the fabric. Her hats are not just warm but highly practical. Earflaps can be deployed when temperatures plummet, and their compact design means they can be tucked into a bag when not in use. Kate even recalls a recent trip to Geneva where an unexpected downpour began, la roille for those who remember this Swiss expression. No problem—she simply pulled out one of her hats to stay dry!
Kate showcased her creations at art fairs across the United States, relishing the opportunity to travel, meet new people and share her craft—very much in the spirit of an Ecolinter. These days, while she travels less, her hats are still available to a wide audience via her website.
Kate’s journey began at Ecolint, where she studied from 1965 to 1972 as part of a Caterpillar family. She fondly remembers teachers like Mr Sharpe and Mr Dorsay, as well as her more mischievous moments, such as being sent out of Madame Bonhomme’s class for giggling at the sight of chalk dust on her teacher’s face. She also recalls enjoying hot chocolate at the old Auberge, a far cry from today’s sleek “La Courbe du Goût.” On a recent visit to the campus, she was delighted to see familiar landmarks like the Road Runner café, still buzzing with students.
Escalade dinner in Chicago
Now, Kate is bringing a touch of Ecolint spirit to Chicago. She will be hosting the first Chicago Escalade Dinner on Saturday, 7 December—a wonderful opportunity for alumni to reconnect, share memories and exchange tips on surviving Chicago’s harsh winters. Whether reminiscing about schooldays or swapping advice on winter gear, this event promises to be as warm and welcoming as Kate’s signature hats.
If you would like to attend the Chicago Escalade dinner, contact Kate at [email protected].