SCAD Serve: Hats for Humanity

SCAD Serve’s inaugural alumni ambassador Mariana Alvarez Zubillaga (B.F.A., fashion, 2018) is dedicated to supporting unhoused individuals in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia. Inspired by her hat store Honest Bob, Zubillaga is requesting individuals interested in social justice help create and distribute bucket hats to those who are experiencing housing and shelter hardships.

“I designed the hat to be sustainable and easy to make,” Zubillaga said. “The pattern is simple to follow and everyone can help.” Interested volunteers can learn more about the project, and download the free printable pattern and sewing instructions. The hats provide protection during the sunniest months of the year and add a note of individual positivity too.

Zubillaga founded her bucket hat boutique Honest Bob in Mexico City, Mexico after what she refers to as a “happy accident”: “I had just been hired to work on an Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu film as a costume designer. It was a huge gig, and then I was sent home due to the pandemic shutdown.” Unable to work remotely on the film, Zubillaga’s focus shifted to making meaningful works of art that could be cherished by friends and family.

“I made the first bucket hat as a birthday present for my boyfriend. I posted the image to Instagram and then immediately received requests for ten more.” Today, Honest Bob is a chic fashion imprint dedicated to cultural representation, social responsibility, and environmentally sustainable production methods, the same characteristics SCAD Serve holds in high esteem.

SCAD has a long history of supporting neighbors and partners over the years and SCAD Serve is one more way that the SCAD community is giving back. The initiative empowers Bees who are engaged in creative professions across the world to create meaningful design solutions that improve the quality of life for thousands of individuals in need. Focusing on four critical areas: food, shelter, clothing, and the environment, SCAD Serve will continue to work to create positive change.

“Building community, driving positive change in society, and caring for the environment are my values and they align perfectly with SCAD,” adds Zubillaga. “I’m honored to be a part of this project.”