In 1981, Bill and BJ Gedney wanted to fill a gap in the women’s outerwear market. Having observed limited options for toppers, the duo founded Hat Attack. They ran the business out of their studio apartment in Manhattan, where they’d work after they returned home from their corporate jobs. Eventually, they quit their full-time gigs to commit to the company. The pair then partnered with Ralph Lauren to produce its iconic pony baseball hat. The business took off soon after. Now, Hat Attack’s most popular items are sported by celebrities like Halle Berry, Rihanna, Julia Roberts and Kristin Cavallari.
The company eventually moved to the Bronx, where its office was based for 30-plus years before moving to Stamford in April 2021. Today, the Gedney’s daughter, Cooper McManus, a resident of Shippan, leads the creative team. She joined the company in 2012.
“I attended college for retail and merchandising, and then tried my hand at a few different paths. But ultimately, I knew being part of Hat Attack was what I really wanted to do,” she says.
“Growing up in our Bronx factory, Cooper learned early on the value of working alongside people from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of talents,” says Bill Gedney. “She witnessed firsthand how diligent BJ and I were in keeping the company successful, and she developed a strong appreciation for a solid work ethic.”
As creative director, McManus runs the day-to-day operations but continues to work together with her parents. “Mom is still very involved. She manages inventory, places orders and works closely with production. We design collections together with our sales director,” she says. “My dad reviews finances and payables and handles all the banking aspects.”
Hat Attack is no longer just hats. The company has branched out, manufacturing everything from beach bags, scarves, and gloves to earmuffs and other seasonal accessories. “We are willing to try anything that fits into the casual lifestyle accessory category,” says McManus.
Timeless classics with a casual twist, Hat Attack accessories can be mixed and matched for most occasions, and all reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability and affordability. McManus says hats are now more popular than ever as consumers are more conscious of sun protection, “but our bags are a close runner-up.”
What influences the design of the company’s products?
“I’m inspired by what people are wearing wherever I travel,” says McManus, who lives in Shippan. “I pay close attention to what they’re wearing on the street in Manhattan and Vermont. I notice beach bags when I’m in warm places. I note trends and colors.”
Most pieces are made with eco-friendly fabrics and produced overseas, in places such asTurkey and Madagascar. However, panama and wool felts are handblocked, trimmed and sewn in the Stamford factory. McManus and her 12-person team design, develop, source, warehouse and ship items directly from Stamford.
“Everyone here wears multiple hats every day to keep things running smoothly,” McManus says. “The best part of working in a family-owned business is being able to be creative in so many ways.”
Hat Attack pieces can be bought online at hatattack.com or through retailers like Bloomingdales, Saks, Nordstrom, Macys, The Fred Shop, Faherty, Penfield Collective and Morley.