5 reasons Why I Love Millinery (And You Should, Too!)

Couture Millinery has become my life passion, being able to create beautiful works of art to compliment an array of outfits and events. So why should we all love millinery?

  1. Expressing the personality of its wearer from embellished headbands to wide brimmed dress hats.
  2. Oh so British! Royal weddings will always see a surge in hats as will the pageantry of Royal Ascot and other racing events.
  3. The varied history of hat making, and the trends through the years… just fascinating!
  4. Celebrities and iconic women, such as Audrey Hepburn who have brought hats to the fashion forefront.
  5. Adapting hats to create the overall look, from vintage pillboxes to look the part at events such as the Goodwood Revival or being the proud Mother of the Bride at the wedding of the year.

This is why we love British Millinery and creating handmade bespoke hats for every occasion, for a consultation or to find inspiration on the perfect hat, email me or call me to arrange a consultation

 

Quintessentially British Fashion at the Races

This is my absolute favourite in the horse racing calendar, not only is it on my doorstep (living just a stones throw from Chichester) in my opinion, it is certainly the most glamorous of all the race festivals.

We are having the most amazing summer so far with scorching temperatures and long sunny evenings, I do hope the sunshine carries on until the 1st of August when the Qatar Goodwood Festival starts. Lovingly known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’ this event is the largest race meeting in the world with an amazing mix of sporting and social highlights.

The social and fashion element of the Qatar Goodwood Festival is also very unique, the quintessentially English ‘Goodwood’ style is certainly a theme that runs throughout, its smart but never stuffy, a wonderful excuse to dress up and express yourself through fashion.

Here is your guide to the Goodwood Racing Festival dress code, remember the Qatar Goodwood Festival is one of the most photographed events of the season!

Richmond Enclosure

Ladies: an effortless dress that feels fun but chic would be perfect for this enclosure, vibrant prints will be sure to make you stand out. This is the perfect place to wear a bespoke hat from Clare Louise Millinery, stand out with your own handmade one off piece.

Gentlemen: A jacket and tie is required for the Richmond Enclosure, dressing for Goodwood should be relaxed and elegant, the kind of outfit that has timeless appeal but a smartness to make sure you fit in wherever you go.

Gordon & Lennox Enclosure

Gordon Enclosure: More informal than the Richmond Enclosure but no less elegant. Jackets and ties are not compulsory, but still dress to impress.

Lennox Enclosure has no formal dress code.

We only have 19 days left until the festival starts, so if you haven’t yet sorted your outfit or your hat, contact me to book in for a consultation to start creating your bespoke handmade hat or visit our new shop for inspiration

Mad as a Hatter!

For those of you who know me, or we have met through my millinery consultation appointment, you will know this title is quite apt! I just love hats, mad about them! Beavering away till early hours of the morning threading, sewing and sculpting the perfect hat that is as unique as you, but did you know where the term ‘Mad as a Hatter’ came from? Or anything about the history of wearing hats?

Did you know the earliest record of hat-wearing comes from a cave at Lussac-les-Châteaux in central France. The rock drawings there are 15,000 years old and we’ve been putting things on our heads ever since.

I can’t imagine they would have the style and sophistication of the 21st century, they certainly wouldn’t have had the amazing materials such as beads and peacock feathers more a cap or material for practical purposes.

Bringing us more to the present day and away from caveman times, our second fascinating, (yet a little gory) fact is hats were used to poison people- literally! The term, ‘Mad as a Hatter’ comes from the process of using mercury, a highly toxic liquid which when exposed for prolonged periods can cause severe damage to the nervous system, with dementia type systems. I promise you, this would never happen at Clare Louise Millinery! You are in safe hands.

In 1960 hats became less popular, when beehive hair dos would not accommodate them. However when Princess Diana started wearing them, and Philip Treacy began designing for the Royal family, they made a huge comeback, and have been a very important part of the outfit ever since.

The wonder of wearing a hat can transform a complete look, and portrays a unique image to the individual wearing it. Combining style, fashion and attitude, the hat can give any message the wearer desires.

So my question to you, do you choose your hat first or your outfit? If this perplexes you, contact Clare Edmonds of Clare Louise Millinery or Creations Hair Salon in Chichester to book for the style event Chic! The Race is On 24th May 5:30pm to get the low down on how to dress for the 2017 race season.

Vicky Booker our Style Guru, along with Clare Louise Millinery and Creations Hair Salon will help you achieve the perfect look for Goodwood or Ascot this year.

For more information contact

Clare Edmonds  –  email me

Emma Shepherd – email me

Vicky Bookeremail me