Meet Kat Whalen

Rippin Kitten Hats is rooted in a family tradition of skiing.

The inspiration begins with my grandmother, Frances Whalen — a stylish and adventurous woman who dared to ski in 1928. She embodied confidence, curiosity, and a sense of style that came from within.

Growing up, my dad immersed us in New England ski culture, renting a house at a different mountain each winter. My childhood was spent ripping turns across the East, and later, my daughter was raised through the Franconia Ski Club at Cannon Mountain — a place steeped in ski racing history.

It was there that I began collecting vintage ski patches — each one a piece of alpine history. I started sewing them onto hats, and the ski moms loved them. In 2017, RKH was featured in the Boston Herald’s “Gifts to Make Your Skier Happy,” and we were out of the gate.

Today, RKH is a heritage-driven luxury lifestyle brand. Each custom hat is handcrafted from authentic ski patches, paired with luxe fabrics, and finished with upcycled or faux fur poms.

Every Rippin Kitten Hat tells a story — designed to be worn with confidence, adventure, and effortless style.