Join award-winning hat designer Maor Zabar for an incredible, luxury residential millinery retreat & 5-day workshop at Chateau Dumas on 16-23 July. The 7-night inclusive retreat is set in the wondrous countryside of Auty, in the  Tarn-et-Garonne region of the northern Occitanie, southern France.

The 5 full-day workshop will cover three unique millinery techniques and processes to create dramatic and theatrical headpieces. All techniques are used by Maor within his atelier, including silk draping, thermoplastic, 3D flowers and ‘Sinasilk’, the innovative technique developed by Maor himself. The workshop is catered to all levels, however, basic hand sewing skills are a must-have.

The week also includes a trip to Estivales du Chapeau Caussade, the unmissable millinery festival of markets, music, shows and dancing. Milliners from around the world attend this summer hat festival and present their creations in parades for the international hat contest.

During the week there will also be time to relax, rejuvenate and recharge whilst enjoying not only the stunning panoramic views over the beautiful, unspoilt French countryside and the stunning 22 acres of chateau grounds but time to cool off in the large saltwater pool.

About Maor

Maor is a couture milliner, specializing in surreal and unexpected pieces of art to wear a top your head.
As the grandson of a tailor, Maor started to sew and play with fabrics at a young age which inspired him to become a designer. It was after Maor graduated in fashion and costume design at the Shenkar College of Engineering & Design in Tel Aviv, in 2003, that he opened his own studio and began working as a costume designer in theatre, opera & dance. In recent years, Maor has won numerous awards for his work and has secured his place as one of the leading costume designers in Israel.

In 2014 Maor set up his own atelier, Maor Zabar Hats where he designs and produces impeccable handcrafted hats and headpieces. His unique metier incorporates the unexpected with style, colour and humour. Drawing his inspiration from nature, art and history his meticulous, hand-crafted pieces are contrasted between a classic and modern world, bringing his unique style to life with a theatrical aesthetic that is mixed with the element of humour. Maor’s work takes him around the world as a designer and as a teacher where he shares his unique techniques.

In collaboration with Rachael Clunie Millinery, there is the opportunity to apply for a reduced fee scholarship.  For more information email sales@avantgardecoutureuk.com or to book got to https://www.rachaelcluniemillinery.com/retreatsandworkshops