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.