This summer, I have been leaning into what I call the next level of the Pinterest-viral “wellness girl” — the cultured girl.
She’s well-traveled, worldly, and curious about everything that enriches her life. She whisks her own matcha, collects interesting knick-knacks like ornaments and geodes, and has read every book under the sun. She dresses with flair, with comfort in mind, and with a strong sense of self-assuredness about looking good and feeling good.
She’s excited about everything in life— big or small. She’s kind, nurturing, and generous.
Basically, the cultured girl is everything we all strive to be. And everything about her comes straight from the heart without any of the performative fluff.
As a devoted fashion enthusiast, I have been closely following summer accessories, and if there is anything so classic that it withstands the rise and fall of microtrends and even the passing of decades, it is hats.
The best ones are the kind you can wear whether you are twenty-one or seventy-one. It’s also the ones that feel less like an accessory and more like a companion to your travels. They do not simply shield you from the sun; they frame the day’s adventures and anchor you in a certain kind of elegance.
It is here that Lorna Murray enters the picture.
I think out of all the fashion accessory-centered brands, it is this particular brand that has transcended beyond selling products but properly captured feeling. With Lorna Murray, you can just feel the sunlit afternoons on your skin and the salt-laced breezes in your hair, all transformed into wearable art.
Founded in Sydney and inspired by a love of travel, craftsmanship, and nature’s rhythm, Lorna Murray creates collapsible sun hats woven from 100% natural grass fibres on traditional hand looms, each one a piece of functional beauty. Their designs fold and unfold like origami, ready to be tucked into a carry-on for an impromptu escape or worn proudly in the heart of a city.
For this summer, the next, and forever to come (and don’t mind me as I slip this on every time I travel anywhere with tons of sunlight), I plan to bring these accessories with me wherever I go:
The Island Capri Hat
This is the iconic hat silhouette that captured the hearts of both Instagram and the runway. No hat has ever made me feel like a model on a getaway, but this hat commands that attitude and attention.
The Island Capri Hat in Melbourne is one of those rare pieces that commands attention without trying, blending porcelain-white and ink-black threads across a natural and hand-dyed fibre base, finished with an inky black trim. The effect is timeless, elegant, and quietly striking, as if it belongs equally on the deck of a sailboat in Capri or on a shaded terrace in Marrakech.
Beyond beauty, the hat offers certified UPF 50+ protection, making it as practical as it is poetic.
Lorna Murray’s ethos is grounded in sustainability, with every pleat and weave reflecting a commitment to slow processes, traditional techniques, and a deep respect for the artisans who bring each piece to life. From the intricately woven brims to the collapsible structure designed for effortless travel, these hats are made to be treasured, not discarded, and they carry with them the promise of many summers to come.
For the cultured girl, a Lorna Murray hat is not simply an accessory; it is a passport to a certain way of living: one defined by curiosity, ease, and beauty in the details.
Some of our other favorite Island Capri Hats:
The Meadow Babylonia Belt
The Meadow Babylonia Belt is another piece that captures the spirit of Lorna Murray’s design language: whimsical yet refined, bohemian yet utterly polished.
Handcrafted in the brand’s original Babylonia silhouette, this belt is designed to tie gracefully at the waist or hips, its fabric tie a soft contrast to the natural textures of its weave.
The Meadow colourway is an ode to soft summer light: ivory threads delicately woven through a natural and hand-dyed turquoise grass fibre base, finished with a Liberty fabric trim. It is a palette that feels at once coastal and botanical, a fresh breeze on a warm day.
Worn over a flowing linen dress in summer, it defines the silhouette with gentle authority; paired with denim and a sweater in winter, it adds a layer of depth and personality to an otherwise simple outfit. This is not a belt that merely accessorizes, but completely transforms the mood of an ensemble with a single knot.
A Conversation with Lorna
In conversation with The Teen Magazine, founder and creative director Lorna Murray shared that her journey has been as intuitive as it has been serendipitous. What began almost two decades ago as a small creative offering of handwoven fibre pieces has grown into a globally recognized brand with over 450 stockists and a devoted following that includes celebrities, stylists, and sun-chasers alike.
And yet, the heart of the brand remains unchanged. Each design is still rooted in the principles of beauty, functionality, and sustainability.
The Teen Magazine: We’re curious about the journey it took as a founder and creative director. What was the process like? Was there a favourite moment of yours when building your brand?
"The journey has been equal parts intuitive & serendipitous, as well as grounded in lived experiences," shares Lorna. "I began the brand with a desire to create pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful, grounded in design, craft, and sustainability. What began as a small creative offering over twenty years ago using handwoven fibres has become something much bigger ~ our pieces have gently found their way into wardrobes around the world. From sunlit coastlines to bustling cities, summer soirees & runways."
Inspired by nature’s rhythm ~ the brand has now woven itself into skincare & fashion rituals across the globe. From remote coastlines to the world’s fashion capitals, our hats and bags travel lightly, carried by kindred spirits who embrace sun-drenched living and timeless design. It’s a humbling joy to see our pieces become part of stories unfolding in places both near and far.
-Lorna Murray
The Teen Magazine: From the intricately woven structures to the uniquely nature-inspired look, it’s clear that Lorna Murray™ carries a heavy emphasis on sustainability. What does this mean to you and your brand?
"Sustainability is woven into every decision, every pleat, every embroidery and knit. It’s about honouring slow processes, traditional techniques, craftsmanship and the natural world. Our materials are consciously sourced, and our artisans use age-old weaving & construction methods passed down through generations."
"We design with intention: pieces to treasure, not discard. In a world often spinning so fast, sustainability and natural materials is our way of grounding ourselves—of being still, thoughtful, and kind to the earth," says Lorna.
The Teen Magazine: There is such a whimsical and eclectic spirit to the brand. We’re obsessed with the coastal bohemian style that incorporates a couture feel. What does a Lorna Murray™ muse look, act, and think like?
"She’s a free spirit with a deep & rich inner life. She’s curious, chic, worldly, and in tune with nature. There’s an ease about her - she dresses intuitively, travels lightly, and appreciates beauty in the small details.
She might be wandering the streets of a busy city, reading beneath a shady tree, or dancing barefoot at sunset. Her style is effortless, but thoughtful. She isn’t trend-led; she’s soul-led. A collector of stories, textures, and light."
The Teen Magazine: In a world of microtrends, we can’t help but appreciate how Lorna Murray™ is truly one of a kind. It’s also more than just a hat; it’s about embodying a feeling that comes with the spiritual wandering from sincerely good travel. For Gen Z creatives, what advice do you have for them? For any young adult who wants to create something special of their own, what would you tell them?
"Nurture your uniqueness, maintain integrity & celebrate originality. Tune out the noise and listen to what moves you. Don’t create to be seen ~ create to nourish your soul & to say something.
Be patient with your vision; consistency and clarity are more powerful than any fleeting trend. Surround yourself with textures, books, music, landscapes, experiences…things that inspire you. There is no shortcut to authenticity, but there is so much joy in the making."
"Also ~ don’t be afraid of quiet. Some of the most wonderful & important ideas are born in silence."
-Lorna Murray
The Teen Magazine: For any given travel, what are your top 3 must-have accessories that always make it into your bags?
- A Lorna Murray hat of course! Lightweight, foldable, and sun safe. It’s my constant companion on every trip.
- A silk or cotton scarf ~ versatile and sentimental. It becomes a head or neck accessory in the sun, or a little luxury piece tied to my wrist or bag. It always feels like a soft reminder of home, no matter where I am.
- A Journal or notebook for ephemera, notes & sketches.
Keep Up With Lorna Murray
Stay in the loop with Lorna Murray™ — follow their journey of timeless style and sun-kissed adventures on Instagram @lornamurray_. Trust me, your feed will thank you.
