Tag Archives: MILLINERS

CHANEL

Coco Chanel began to ply her trade as a milliner of note when she opened her hat boutique in Paris in 1910. She soon expanded to include ready-to-wear tailored coats and sporting pieces to ensure the fashionable ladies of Parisian society were appropriately attired for their various sporting and leisure pursuits. Her designs featured elegant yet defined silhouettes and luxurious but practical materials which quickly came to define her house style and remain iconic and distinct today. The Chanel house would continue to grow, offering all manner of luxury goods, leather goods, perfumes and, eventually, couture designs. The brand is widely regarded as one of the world’s pre-eminent high-end luxury fashion brands.

LAULHÈRE

Originator of the iconic French beret, Laulhère has been crafting this iconic hat for military and civilian customers since 1840. Founded in the foothills of the Pyrenées, Laulhère uses traditional techniques and the finest wools sourced from across the region to knit elegant and luxurious hats and accessories. The firm was awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant distinction in recognition of their heritage and craftsmanship. Their products are widely available across France and internationally.

BORSALINO

An icon of Piedmont style, Borsalino has been making beautiful felt hats since Giusseppe Borsalino founded his famous workshop in 1857. The firm quickly gained an international reputation for the stylish, high-quality, handmade hats and, to this day, the brand’s hats became extremely coveted.

BATES

Bates Hatters of London was a renowned gentleman’s millinery based on Jermyn Street in St James’s. The brand was founded in 1898 and earned a reputation as one of the great hat shops of the city. Bates handmade a variety of town and country hats from fedoras and bowlers to flat caps, however they became particularly renowned for their panama hats. The brand has been acquired by the legendary Jermyn Street shirtmaker house, Hilditch & Key, with Bates becoming an in-house brand for their range of hats.

BARMAH HATS

The original Australian bush hat maker, Barmah is famous for their handmade, rugged western-style hats. The brand also has a successful line in foldable travel hats including the classic Panama hat. A family-owned brand since its foundation in 1990, the company continues a long tradition of hat manufacturing for the ranchers and travellers of the outback whilst also becoming a go-to brand for the well-dressed gentleman.