Name: Morgan Peterson
Year: Senior
Major: Anthropology and Peace and Justice Studies
Hometown: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
What is your favorite thing about Tufts?
It’s pretty hard to choose just one thing, especially since it’s already my fourth year here, so here is a brief list in no particular order: being so close to Boston, the 195 porch, mango iced tea from the Tower Cafe, the ExCollege, Helen’s Greek dressing, watching my sporty friends play sports, and the people from the surrounding area who walk their dogs on campus.
What is Harding-Lane?
Harding-Lane is a hat (and now T-shirt!) company that was started back in 2009 by the brother-sister duo from Dedham MA, Steve and Sarah Gifford. The hats all feature Sarah’s signature needlepoint designs and incorporate a sailcloth strap across the back. Though their products are often labeled “preppy,” there are over 30 designs so there really is something for everyone.
How did you get involved with the company?
I grew up living at my grandma’s house in Chatham every summer, and that’s how I met the Giffords. Steve used to be my tennis teacher there, and he was a close friend of my older cousins. It’s a small town with a lot of heart, so when he and Sarah started Harding-Lane everyone down there supported them by buying and wearing their hats. I wanted to get more involved, so I help spread the brand up to Boston by bringing it to Tufts. I immediately loved the hats and I had a feeling other Tufts students would too.
Why should Tufts students love Harding Lane?
A number of reasons!
First of all, Harding-Lane’s hats are made at a manufacturer that is certified by the FLA (Fair Labor Association), WARP (Wordlwide Accredited Production), and SA8000 (Social Accountability). One percent of profits are also given back to The Trustees of Reservations, a Massachusetts-based organization responsible for protecting over 27,000 acres of ecological and cultural land sites across the Commonwealth.
Also, hats in general are great! I never used to wear hats, but Harding-Lane opened up a whole new world for me. Hats keep the sun off your face, are great for rainy days, and even better for those mornings when you really don’t feel like brushing your hair.
What are your favorite Harding-Lane hats?
My red Great White Shark hat holds a special place in my heart; it was my first one and the shark design makes me think of summer. I also love my green lobster hat, and of course my white hat with the elephant on it (Go Bo’s!). I want to get one of the American flag hats next.
What should Tufts students do if they are interested in buying Harding-Lane hats?
Go to harding-lane.com and start shopping! At the checkout enter the code Tufts14 and you’ll receive 30% off your entire order! I’d also recommend checking out their Instagram and Facebook page to stay up to date on their events and venues where they will be selling hats. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for their new designs coming up Fall 2014!
Edited by Adriana Guardans-Godo