Group of milliners relaunch the British Hat Guild

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 7, 2019

A group of UK milliners led by world-famous hat designer Stephen Jones have joined forces to create a new national association supporting professional milliners.

Launched this spring, the British Hat Guild said the idea was born in December 2017 after Carole Denford, founder of trade publication The Hat Magazine, brought together several milliners who she felt had made strong contributions to the industry.

In total, 33 milliners and industry insiders from across the UK have joined the organisation, which aims to become a platform for exchanging ideas and promoting the craft’s heritage.

“We aim to provide guidance and support to future milliners, and to share our news with people who are as fascinated as we are by hats and hat-making,” said the guild in its website.

With the goal of promoting craftsmanship, artistry, heritage, creativity, education and inspiration, the British Hat Guild will continue to expand by encouraging other milliners, as well as professionals from allied trades and crafts to join from next year.

Stephen Jones, who has worked with many fashion designers including Dior, Balenciaga and Lanvin throughout his 40-year career, will act as chairman of the guild.

Originally founded in the 1950s, the original British Hat Guild was disbanded in 2003. Its relaunch coincides with the opening of ‘Unveiled: The Craft of Millinery’, an exhibition and series of events, taking place during London Craft Week.