Civic Occasions and Official Engagements
Through the ages, monarchs have rewarded individuals who have shown service, loyalty or gallantry – now days this is recognised by the announcement of a title or an award. Many will know someone locally who has recognised and received an award such as the OBE or MBE for making an outstanding contribution to their community.
Once the excitement of the news of the award has worn off, and the day of the investiture draws near, thoughts of what to wear for the occasion, be it taking place at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or Holyrood Palace, become a point of discussion. The investiture requires a special outfit, it is accepted protocol that women wear a small headpiece, often a “perching” style for the occasion. It should not resemble a hat or headpiece that you would wear to a wedding, and it is also small enough to allow the wearer’s face to be clearly visible in all the photographs.
Commissioning a couture millinery hat or head piece to wear for an investiture or civic occasion gives the milliner an opportunity to create a special piece for that particular day. When Sophie Milliken received her MBE, for services to education, at Windsor Palace, she came for her initial consultation with her dress and shoes. I designed a headpiece to create a foil to her dark green dress with a decoration that echoed that of her shoes.
If you receiving an award, having an investiture, attending a civic occasion or official engagement and would like to have a consultation about commissioning a hat or headpiece please do get in touch using the Contact Us form below.
Civic Occasions and Official Engagements Gallery
How It Works
If you receiving an award, having an investiture, or attending a civic occasion or official engagement I can help by creating a hat or headpiece that is appropriate for the occasion. Each couture commission is hand-made in my studio, and the shapes are hand-blocked, with expertly made trimmings to accessorise your hat or headpiece.
The commission starts with an initial in-person visit to my studio in NE67 or NE1 to discuss the nature of the occasion. and the hat or headpiece required. If time is of the essence for pieces with universal head fittings, this first appointment could also take place by Zoom. Firstly, together we select the shape itself, by trying on a selection of samples, then the design, styling and fabric choices follow – these may include parisisial straw, luxury felt, fine silks, lace, flowers, feathers, veiling, beading and so on.
It’s very helpful to bring a sample of your fabric with you to the appointment, many clients bring the outfit itself, though I appreciate that this is not always possible! Please allow about 1-1.5hrs for the first consultation. Throughout the commission-making process I will stay in touch by email or FaceTime to update you on progress.
Once the shape has been made there will be a further consultation, which can be by Zoom, to confirm the choice of trims and finishes. At the third final appointment, we will have a grand trying-on session and I will explain to you how to adjust your headpiece. Your bespoke couture headpiece design will take four to six weeks to create, and prices start from £300 (halo bands from £250) there are more details about the ordering process here.
Please get in touch for more details and to make an appointment complete the consultation form below.
Please get in touch!
To arrange a complimentary one on one couture consultation, please fill in your details below.