I have over twenty – five years of experience in the Millinery industry. I started as a Milliner in 1996 with the Queen’s Milliner, Philip Somerville. I then landed a job with leading light of the Millinery world Philip Treacy, training and working in the London studio and assisting at Haute Couture shows in London, Paris, and New York. I added to my experience by working as a Theatrical Milliner at Angels, The Costumiers and undertaking freelance work at The English National Opera on productions such as Antony Minghella’s Madam Butterfly. Other freelance work has included commissions for The Mirror Newspaper for Ascot and with other Milliners Bailey Tomlin, Bridget Bailey and Piers Atkinson.

I am currently studying an MA in Historical Costume, which I will complete in August 2024. Whilst studying I have found a renewed love and interest in hats and headdresses from the past and I have specialised in designs and pieces from the 1920s. I have developed my skills, including beading, hand embroidery, dyeing and printing techniques.

I am passionate about creating work that is considerate of the fragile planet we now find ourselves living in and aim to continue to design and make pieces which are more mindful of incorporating sustainable practice.

Commissions:
Bespoke hats and bridal pieces are made to commission, providing clients with a much needed one to one, made to measure service and an individual experience. An initial consultation is provided to discuss individual needs, followed by a fitting or two depending on the complexity of the design.

From September 2024, hats and head pieces for Costume, film and theatre will be introduced and can be commissioned from me.

Hat Repairs and Alterations:
Both men and women’s hats can be brought to the studio to be repaired and/or altered.

Teaching:
I currently offer one to one intensive workshops or small group workshops in my Dorset based studio, where I have an extensive range of wooden hat blocks and specialist Millinery equipment. Groups are kept small to give everyone the individual attention they need.

I have taught Millinery at the prestigious London College of Fashion at different levels, and in various areas of Millinery. Some of my past students include Julian Garner Headwear (UK), Madge and Me (USA), and Hourik Millinery (Armenia).

My wide experience of teaching includes Fashion and Theatrical Millinery at Kensington & Chelsea College, Central St Martins, and AUB (The Arts Institute, Bournemouth). As well as teaching Millinery on projects in conjunction with the Barbican, London College of Fashion and other London and national museums.

I have a friendly approach to teaching and like my students to explore their creativity under my guidance to learn new skills and develop existing skills. I will teach tricks of the trade and show the skills and techniques I have acquired through my practice.