In the dimly lit Lower East Side cocktail bar Apartment 5, designers, artisans, and advocates gather to celebrate craftsmanship in the American fashion industry. At the heart of it is Closely Crafted, a collective supporting both emerging and established brands that honor traditional craftsmanship, from millinery and leatherwork to intricate hand-sewn embellishments. For its founder, Gigi Burris, the mission centers on preserving American craft, cultivating artisan equity, and developing apprentice programs. 

As a modern milliner, Gigi Burris is no stranger to the world of craftsmanship, with her designs worn by notable figures like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Mahershala Ali. Each piece is meticulously hand-made using techniques like the braid stitch and hand blocking, and thoughtfully designed in Burris’ New York studio. For Burris, craftsmanship is an intimate conversation between the designer and the wearer, where generations of expertise meet personal expression.  Every shape, color, and stitch is considered, shaping tradition into something deeply individual that reflects one’s story and taste, empowering a sense of identity. “'I love seeing people find their perfect hat in our shop—it's incredibly rewarding to give someone that sense of confidence.” says Burris. 

Just as she honors the art of craft in her work, Burris is a champion of other small businesses that preserve craftsmanship. Her collective Closely Crafted, supports artisans dedicated to mastering techniques passed down through generations. Burris explains, “I’ve been blessed to work with so many remarkable family-owned ateliers to support my business, and I believe that creating a value-based benchmark in locally crafted products will be essential to the preservation of niche skills here in the United States.” At Closely Crafted, craftsmanship is not only about preserving cultural traditions; it’s about redefining the future—particularly through innovation and strengthening of the U.S. fashion ecosystem. Brands like Markarian, Jonathan Cohen, and M and S Schmalberg, all part of Closely Crafted, are dedicated to preserving traditional techniques while adapting to modern market demands. 

When it comes to gifting, Burris recommends memorable niche brands, especially New York-based ones, that evoke a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage, and artistry. Her curated gifts include the rejuvenating Sleeping Beauty Oil by slow beauty brand Kindred Black, which offers a special evening ritual, and the Gua Sha tool by Lanshin, made from hand-crafted jade rich with healing properties. 

Burris’ reverence for craft is reflected both in her gifts and her commitment to Closely Crafted, where she cultivates a culture that keeps craftsmanship alive and evolving while honoring its roots.