During the early sixteenth century, the city of Milan gave birth to the practice of millinery, the crafting, and manufacturing of elaborate and structured headgear for women. Milliners, the people who handcrafted these accessories, had the opportunity to portray their culture through the style and design of each piece.
Suitable for various events, headpieces have been an influential movement for centuries. Elevating any look for formal occasions, hats have been a statement piece worn by royal members, top-listed celebrities, and cultural signifiers. Chic Icon presents the most remarkable top millinery brands these days that will help you elevate any look and signal confidence and creativity.
Stephen Jones
Inspired by pop music in 1979, Stephen Jones started his career as a milliner in the UK. Born with a talent for creating such romantic and ornate pieces, he quickly established himself as one of the best milliners in the market.
Stephen Jones Hats at the Royal Pavilion is an exhibition of the most exquisite hats Jones has created, filled with romantic and splendid pieces portraying his work’s significance.
Members of the royal crown and the most iconic singers of this generation have been dressed in the delicate headgears Jones creates. France occupies an essential space in the artist’s heart, which is why the french landscapes and elegance inspired the last collection, ‘Bonnes Vacances.’ From the surfing paradise of Biarritz to the elegant Normandy, the pieces created for this collection dig French stripes and flower-laden hats perfect for warm summer dusks.
Philip Treacy
“Perhaps the greatest living milliner,” according to Vogue magazine. The creator of the boldest and glowy hats, Philip Treacy, was born in Ireland and moved to London during his young adult years. Top celebrities and royal members have worn Philip’s creations, such as the Princess of Whales, Madonna, and Celine Dion.
Without a doubt, he is one of the biggest milliners of our times. Five times winner of the British Accessory Design of the Year, Phillip continues to create audacious and show-stopping pieces that provoke any fashion lover to give millinery a chance.
The designer is also responsible for creating other accessories such as handbags, side brims, and clutches, all with his unique touch.
Emily London
Launched in 2014, Emily Baxendale, creator of Emily London, has become an inspiration for modern milliners. The designer’s work highlights the contemporary look she gives to the sovereign sartorial style, sticking to these pieces’ classy and sophisticated side without staying outdated. Amara Okereke, a recognized musical artist, has been covered by Tatler’s wearing an Emily London piece.
Based on the core values of fashion, couture craftsmanship, and sustainability, specialized workers handcraft each element in the London-based studio. Bespoke orders are available in the studio with a highly personalized system. Each customer is presented with a wide selection of colors, fabrics, and designs to match the desired look perfectly.
Piers Atkinson
Norfolk-based Piers Atkinson is an artist, milliner, designer, and fashion lover. The designer grew up surrounded by art and creativity due to his family, which led him to begin creating show-stopping headpieces for this generation. Each piece reflects his insatiable love and passion for creating outstanding pieces that elevate one’s look like no other.
Working with leather, embroidery, and gold leafing, specialized craftspeople work hand to hand with him to receive the fantastic pieces we see. His dramatic and unexpected designs have shocked fashion influencers to the point where he has collaborated with runway brands and pages of the most influential fashion magazines.
Carrie Jenkinson
Carrie Jenkinson’s peculiar headwear is dashing and spirited, an icon in the millinery industry for a few years now. The feature of feathers and sculptures gives her pieces the distinctive touch that characterizes her. Shortly after seven years in the market, Carrie was already considered one of the most influential milliners in the UK.
The artist continues to create elegant, modern, and bright pieces that elevate one’s look and complete an outfit. Such an inspiration for young designers, her work was covered by several essential fashion magazines such as Vogue and Cosmopolitan.
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