2021 Hattember Competition - Venezia Masquerade

Innovation Award Winner

For Hattember 2021, entrants were sent a set of materials and challenged to create hats and headpieces related to the theme 'the places we'll go'.

My entry in the Bridal and Evening Category, inspired by magical Venice, is designed for a masked ball.

’Venezia Masquerade’ explores Venice’s unique architecture and culture. The pleated gold fabric crown is inspired by the domes of St Mark’s Basilica.

White silk and gold veiling form a traditional Venetian tricorn edged with white Petersham. The gold veiling recalls the diamond design on the Doge’s Palace.

White paglina braid, veiling and silk create a Venetian mask, perfect for Carnevale. Gold rhinestones emphasise the classic Venetian diamond design.

A pouf of white tulle and paglina, shaped like a Venetian fan, completes the piece.

'Venezia Masquerade' won the Innovation Award in the Bridal & Evening Category.

2021 Dutch Hat Contest - Neapolitan Swirl

Neapolitan Swirl - Top 10 Finalist in 2021 Dutch Hat Association Contest!

With the theme ‘Waste not, want not!’ entrants were challenged to design a hat or headpiece out of Panama straw. Each participant received a ‘surprise package’ containing a slightly damaged Panama capeline and trimmings left over from the process of transforming a straw capeline into a hat.

I used most of the damaged capeline to create a mini boater. The remaining pieces and other trimmings were pleated to create a swirling effect on the brim. Baby pink paglina braid provides extra movement in crown.

‘Neapolitan Swirl’ was inspired by hot summer days enjoying ice cream. And Neapolitan ice cream is extra special with several flavours side by side in the one tub. The classic combination of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla is irresistible!

2020 Hattember Competition - Summer Love

'Summer Love' is a Top 10 finalist in the 2020 Hattember Competition.

In 2020, Millinery Category entrants were given a curated package of materials to create their hat or headpiece. The package included a Parasisal Capeline, Swiss Raffia Pedaline Braid and grosgrain ribbon.

‘Summer Love’ explores the possibilities of each of the provided materials. Each one is allowed to shine in its own way and contribute both artistic and functional elements to the design.

I blocked the Parasisal Capeline in one on a Dior brim block. With lots of steam and no cutting, the Capeline’s crown was encouraged to become an elegant domed shape and stitched flat. I sewed the offcut from the brim edge into a continuous bias strip, then blocked this to make the skull cap.

I created a heart shape in light wire then added folded and hand stitched Swiss Raffia/Pedaline Braid. Eight of these heart shaped designs were brought together to create an art deco inspired motif

I folded the Grosgrain Ribbon into a 27 point cockade and added a jewelled button. This element forms the centrepiece of the art deco motif. The remaining ribbon lines the skull cap as well as creates a blank label.