ICONIC STRAW BOWLER

This classic straw bowler, adorned at the base of the crown with grosgrain trim, is amazing in its simplicity.  While we always appreciate the witty individuality of flamboyant derby hats, for some occasions less is more.

ANTIQUE HAT BLOCKS

One of the best things about making hats is having a legitimate reason to collect vintage forms.  These are carved from wood and used in the hat blocking process, together with wool or some type of straw.  This month’s MARTHA STEWART LIVING magazine features the extensive collection of Charleston, South Carolina milliner Leigh Magar, proprietor of Magar Hatworks.  Magar has amassed nearly 400 forms (lucky girl!) that she uses to create amazing hats out of her Cannon Street studio.

GRAY FLANNEL HAT

Summer’s just begun, but we’re already thinking about fall.  From charcoal wool crepe and a bit of watermelon duchess satin for lining, we’ve created a sweet, but utilitarian, Pillbox ~ perfect with camel or black.  This darling thing still needs grosgrain trim and something to keep it secure, but it’ll be ready when the leaves turn red.

MILLINER WAREHOUSE UK

A huge shipment arrived at our Charlotte, North Carolina atelier this morning from Milliner Warehouse ~ our absolute favorite millinery resource in London.  Tucked in the big brown box were fresh summer sinamays {a few pictured above}, Alice bands, coque feathers, plain veiling, pleated crinoline & petersham ribbon.  Like the first day of school.  Cannot wait to use the new supplies with some of the vintage blocks we picked up during our trip to London in April.