Jilly Collins

Made from sensual silk or tactile velvet, the structured soft hats are often historically inspired and voice an echo from the past but shout a contemporary look. I make hats for every occasion, from the most elaborate event to everyday wear, selling a great many velvet hats in the winter.

Fascinators are once again extremely fashionable. Starting life in the 1930’s alongside cocktail hats, fascinators have enjoyed a tremendous revival over the last few years. Not surprising considering how comfortable they are to wear without wrecking a hairstyle or being in the way when kissing!

All fascinators can be made in any colour as the different elements are hand dyed before construction. The designs demonstrate the use of sinemay, crin, silk and ribbon as the base material manipulated by various techniques such as blocking, weaving, pleating, wiring and moulding. Together with feathers, which often form the main focus of the piece, embellishments including veiling, pearls, beads, cabouchons and wired diamante are added, increasing the tactile nature of these flamboyantly elegant pieces.

I get my sense of colour and balance from my illegitimate grandfather, the famous painter Augustus John and my dramatic style from my theatrical background, having spent 25 years working in all aspects of theatre. About 12 years ago I undertook further training in Millinery at The London College of Fashion and having run successful hat shops in Bristol and Barnstaple, now exhibit at major wedding and craft shows. I give workshops on millinery techniques and welcome commissions for new designs.

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