I have loved hats since I was a little girl and wear them to this day. My love for hats is something I inherited from my mother; there was not a hat in this world that she could not wear with style. I so vividly remember how graceful she looked when she adorned herself with a hat, her long slender neck seem to be particularly emphasised as was her delicately chiselled jawbone and high cheekbones. Perhaps there is no other form of accessory to draw so much attention to our face and say notice me than a hat or some form of head dressing.
So it was with great pleasure that I went to meet with Katherine Elizabeth this week to find out what she has in store for the up coming winter/autumn season.
I was pleasantly surprised when Katherine opened the door to her studio, herself adoring a gorgeous fascinator. This of course is only testament to the Lady’s passion for hats, which started during her University days when she saw a show by Frederick Fox. This show, I can say safely, was the deciding factor for Katherine’s destiny as a milliner, and aren’t we lucky!
During our meeting I tried on a variety of hats and felt like a girl who has discovered a treasure chest! Katherine Elizabeth is a London based, multi-award winning milliner, whose achievements include the Walpole Awards, Lff Profile Awards, and the Dzina Fashion Awards. Katherine designs and creates hats for just about any occasion; the only limitation can be your imagination.
Past commissions include designer at John Galliano, House of Dior and Asudari shows at Paris Fashion Week. Some of her most famous clients include: Dita Von Teese, Lily Allen, the Soho Dolls and Henry Holland both for stage and film.
As well as designing hats Katherine Elizabeth Millinery also hosts their eponymous Mad Hatter Couture parties. Now this is great for a hen or as they are nowadays called ‘swan’ parties. Guests immerse themselves in the wonderful world of millinery couture to create a sumptuous bespoke fascinator made with the finest ethically-sourced feathers, beads, trims, costume jewellery and fabrics.
These events last from 2/3 hours and are perfect for team building experiences as well as providing a fun and wholly inspiring environment for colleagues (if a corporate event) or private guests to immerse in. Do visit Katherine’s website for more details, but I can certainly recommend the mad hatters tea party as a different and unique experience.
The minimum number of people they would usually accommodate for an event is eight. The parties come in two packages, with the first being from £38 per person including the full collection of beautiful materials and trimmings. The second package is £55 per person, and includes more extravagant fabrics and larger trimmings to make a finer couture masterpiece. Both options come with expert tuition and a finished designer headpiece to take away!
They have a few small extras that you can add on to give your Mad Hatter’s party a more delectable Alice in Wonderland feel. For an extra £10 per person, they will provide a full antique tea set and crystal jars. For £20 per person, the team can provide vintage afternoon tea.
Also, on offer is the renowned make-up artist, Fiona Tanner, to make everyone feel special on the day. She is available at £200 per party.
Events can be held in a venue of your choice, i.e. the office, our studio/ gallery, hotel, wine bar, or any private VIP room.
For the new autumn/winter season Katherine will be choosing colours such as grey, black, dark and navy blue as well as red. Many designs will still have that 20’s vintage feel to it, but with added sparkle.
Katherine has kindly lend me a few pieces to use in a fashion shoot so keep a look out for the images, which should be published either just before or after the NWS in October.
In the meanwhile give Katherine a call for all your desires relating to hats!
Till next time, take care
xx
Posted in Designers, Suppliers of all things beautiful