Ana in yellow loop hairpiece at Soho gig

This is a photo taken of Ana Silvera by Mauro Cocilio wearing the spiky black feather and yellow loop hairpiece i made for her to wear at this gig. I wrote earlier about the show which was beautiful and intimate just like Ana's songs.

Hat for Anna Silvera

I've just finished making a hairpiece for Anna Silvera, a fantastic singer songwriter who is bringing out her debut album in the Summer. We met at my studio to fit the the wave of black stripped goose feathers which has a lemon/canary yellow ribbon weaving through it. She was very pleased and now I'm waiting excitedly to go to her gig tomorrow night at the Revue bar in Soho (London). Doors open at 7.30pm so if you want to see a wonderful new talent who is working with the same people who work with Antony and the Johnsons and Rufus Wainwright, then come along.

Photo to follow

Hats meet fashion props!

Recently i spent a lovely weekend with Fred Butler( of Fredbutlerstyle) teaching her at my studio on one of my weekend millinery courses. Her own work involves making fantastic and fabulous props for fashion shoots and other glamorous events. She proved to be a very able and clearly talented maker and mind and we had a great time chatting about the Cockettes, fabrics, colours, glitter and how to wear that all important hat! Have a look at her blog and be amazed at her creations - they're great. - fredbutlerstyle.blogspot.com

Millinery Classes

Since the middle of the year i have been holding monthly weekend courses in hat making. With a maximum of six students in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere the courses have focused on blocking shapes in felt and straw. Once you have a base you can trim it in any way you desire using feathers, fabric, ribbons and other more unconventional materials.

I have plenty of experience with the unusual, having made hats for couture shows in Paris and London as well as editorial pieces for Dazed and ID Magazines. From hats made of resin set hair to plastic bubbles shimmering with crystals. However if a more wearable hat is what you want then bring on the bows and flowers.

On the course you will learn how to make hat of your own design as well as pick up all sorts of tips for maintaining and updating any old hats you have. If you live in London or are interested in my hats and classes then feel free to email me and ask any questions you have.

Red Laise

Red Laise
This twin enclosure hat is covered in a fabric called laise, made by weaving fine pieces of straw in and out of a cotton base. It is not commonly used today and in fact this is a vintage piece from the 1940's. The inside is lined with a floral silk brocade.

White Cotton Sun Hat

White Cotton Sun Hat

This soft white cotton sun hat is based on an early 20th century French beach hat. It fits snugly on the head and gives an amazing amount of protection from the sun. The image i based it on was of a child on the beach in the south of France. I imagine the sun was as strong there as it is today in other less ozone protected parts of the world.

Cats Tail Peak

The Cats Tail

Peak

This perch hat is made of russet red faux fur with a peak of knitted cellophane. The cheeky curling tail is luxuriously silky soft in contrast to the impossibly sparkly peak.