TRENDS
the enduring value and relevance they hold for the industry. Unlike the fashion sector, known for its high levels of disposal and waste, millinery materials seemingly do not become obsolete. The marketplace of milliners’ exchanges exemplifies this ethos. The networks facilitate direct connections between milliners and hat makers to repurpose materials they no longer require, ensuring they find a new life in the hands of other artisans. On this topic, Nick at Baxter Hart & Abraham
commented: “Materials rarely become obsolete; the art of millinery has been around for hundreds of years and therefore all products have a specific purpose. Fashion may dictate how popular a certain weave or material is, but these come back around in the end. We tend to keep as much of our stock long-term as you never know when a milliner will phone asking for an old colour or material.” As specialists in felt, For Millinery has witnessed consistent demand for their stock types, maintaining a continually rotating selection of products within their range. For a small business, striking a balance between stock management and investment in purchasing new stock is crucial for financial stability and growth. On one hand, effective stock management involves optimising inventory levels to meet customer demand, while minimising excess stock that ties up capital and space. Judith M is committed to maximising the utilisation
of every item in their inventory. Strategies such as offering a clearance bin in their retail store for remnants, defective pieces, or items less than a yard in length ensure every resource finds purpose. Unused materials also serve as invaluable teaching aids in the classroom, providing students and instructors alike with opportunities for exploration and practice. As Bart of Judith M states: “We never dispose of any items. This approach benefits everyone by offering individuals the chance to experiment with materials they may be unfamiliar with.” Despite the innovative array of materials stocked
by House of Adorn, the team is steadfast in their commitment to avoiding waste. They actively encourage their creative customers to explore novel uses for materials, ensuring stock is fully utilised. Before purchasing or restocking, the team carefully evaluates demand and trends to prevent excess inventory, thereby maximising their stock investment and minimising waste.
Reflection
The suppliers within the hat-making and millinery industry play a pivotal role. They serve a crucial function in responding to trends, facilitating makers and designers in meeting the demands of end consumers, thus ensuring that hats and headpieces remain current and appealing. Each supplier holds significance as they drive innovation in production. Their capability to develop and oversee the production of materials ensures the introduction of new materials to the market while maintaining the availability of staples. It is essential not to overlook the skills and time invested in this process, as the inherent risk does not always guarantee a successful product or return on investment.
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Contributors
Thank you to the businesses here who contributed to this article.
House of Adorn (Australia) Miranda Day /
www.houseofadorn.com House of Adorn stands as a premier supplier of millinery materials, trims, feathers, and embellishments, based in Australia. Founded by Kim McMillan in 2010, the company initially operated under the name The Feather Shop before evolving into House of Adorn. With this
transition came an expanded product line catering to various creative industries, notably millinery. Situated in Bayswater, their team provides both worldwide distribution and an in-store experience.
For Millinery (Poland) Janusz Jedrzejko /
www.formillinery.com For Millinery is a multi-generational, family-owned enterprise situated in Poland, specialising in wool felt products. Their offerings encompass a diverse array of raw materials, including hoods, wool felt capelines, sweatbands, and wool berets, alongside a selection of blocked shapes tailored for the global
market.
Judith M Millinery Supply House (USA) Jenny Pfanenstiel /
www.judithm.com Established in 1994 by Judith Mishler in LaGrange, Indiana, Judith M Millinery Supply House entered a new era in 2019 under the ownership of Jenny Pfanenstiel and her husband Bart. The couple relocated the business to La Grange, Kentucky, where it operates in conjunction with their other ventures, including Formé Millinery, Hat Boxes USA, and The Hat Shoppe. Renowned for providing raw materials to artisans and costume departments, their clientele ranges from industry giants like Disney and Warner Bros to esteemed opera houses and universities. The store is open to the public, welcoming enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Baxter Hart & Abraham Ltd (UK) Nick Horn /
www.baxterhart.co.uk Founded in 1956 by Aubrey Horn, Baxter Hart & Abraham Ltd (BHA Ltd) emerged from the merger of Baxter Hart, George Carruthers Ltd, and H. Abraham (Dyers) Ltd. Initially specialising in dyeing grosgrain petersham ribbon and straw plaits for hat manufacturing, particularly Luton
Boaters, the company, now managed by the Horn family, carries a hat trade legacy dating back to the 1750s. As a premier ‘One- Stop Millinery Supplier’, BHA Ltd operates its UK-based dye yard, ensuring precise control over colours and chemicals for the production of top-quality products.
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