February 2009
Wow - after a hectic month of moving in January it has been amazing to settle down and do what I set out to.. make some hats!
I did not want to move any stock from my previous premises to the new one as I am looking on this as a fresh start. Hence….. being flat-out making hats, re-creating some of my classic styles and flexing my creative muscles on some new designs.
I generally take inspiration and direction from my many and varied customers, characters and outfits but always keep my eyes open for things that appeal.. It is always worth a look around the shops to try and spot any particular colour trends aswell. This year seems to be beginning in pastels - never my favouite palette as I like strong and definite colour and lots of it… but to design a hat for any person and outfit regardless of my personal taste is the real challenge.
I have tried to make my main sample pieces up in fairly neutral colours as colour can be a distraction when trying on hats, but I do get tempted and usually end up embellishing the piece to my own taste…. This year I am indulging in larger fascinators and cocktail hats. Now the fascinator has become a popular and acceptable choice whereas a few years ago it was still considered a bit risque. I started out making them smaller and more intricate but am now going for ‘overblown opulence’… well, if you are going to the trouble of putting something on your head-do it like you mean it.. There are few occasions to dress up in a year so I think it is best to Go To Town!
I enjoy making dainty cocktail hats for customers and customising them from the elegant and understated to the burlesque. It is a constant battle to keep one step ahead of the competition but I think I have successfully proven that there are alternatives to the ubiquitous coque feather.
It has been a good start to the new premises, I have been lucky to have ladies in this month for weddings in France and Australia as well as this country, and ladies wanting hats for parties and medal ceremonies… One of the best things about my job is that every person is different and even if I make copies of my samples there is always a personal embellishment or customisation for each one. I have also been asked to do a ‘Hen Hat Party’ and spend a day with some ladies co-ordinating some hat-making - the results of which to be worn at the wedding.. that should be a lot of fun.
And of course, the other new thing is this blog which I have started to get the feel of, although I am having trouble understanding how to properly operate it. There seems to be a lot of options for extra stuff which is frankly baffling, and I am having trouble uploading any pictures… Any help would be greatly appreciated!
For the record I open the hat shop 4 days a week and keep about 100 - 150 samples in for trying. I do not buy in any pieces, I make everything and even dye my own straw and feathers.. I can be particular! I will hire out from the samples if appropriate and I do have a few smaller fascinators for sale off the shelf, but mostly I make to order.
Millinery is a seasonal business and I keep 2 other jobs currently as well (just in case!). It is not easy to make a living being creative, and has taken a lot of determination to keep the business going but there are fantastic rewards, it is always a buzz getting the look right for a customer and creating more new and exciting pieces. I am a lucky girl!