to smile at us on the London Underground, which is a real feat. I’m also very thankful for the way that hats have opened doors for me to have so many exciting adventures and to meet so many incredible people over the years. I’ve had the chance to get to know milliners at the very peak of their profession, enthusiasts just starting to explore the craft and individuals at every stage in between. I have been enriched by the talent, ingenuity and creativity that I’ve found in every one of them.
Te hat making world is truly a community
What do you love about the hat making community?
What’s your favourite hat and why?
My favourite hat is a Bridget Bailey pea pod that I wore to Royal Ascot in 2012. When I was still quite new to the world of hat making, Bridget was incredibly generous with her time and expertise. She invited me to come to her studio so I could document her sinamay rolling process for the magazine. Bridget is a true master and witnessing the intricacy and incredible craftsmanship of her work up close was so inspiring. I had never seen anything like it. When I had the chance to wear one of her pieces to one of the most iconic hat events in the world, it felt all the more special because I truly appreciated the time and effort that had gone into making it. Years later, I revisited the pea pod theme when I wore an Atelier Millinery piece inspired by Bridget’s work to the 2025 London Hat Walk.
I love that the hat making community is truly a community. During my 16 years at HATalk, I have met thousands of hat makers and hat wearers. I’ve seen a shared passion for hats that transcends age, gender and nationality. When we get together, we all have something in common and it’s a perfect platform for collaboration and friendship. It was incredible to see this all in action during the World Hat Walk last year, when people in over 60 cities around the world came together to celebrate their love of hats. At a time when the daily news can be pretty depressing, it’s an amazing thing to be part of such a positive community. It has also been a special privilege to be one of the founding members of the British Hat Guild and to have had the chance to work closely with many other national hat associations over the years.
What is your future dream for HATalk?
HATalk has been such a big part of my life for so many years, and it’s a bittersweet thing to be stepping down. I am so grateful to know that Mary Jane Baxter and HatMags have the skills and experience needed to take this online resource to the next level – I know I’m leaving it in safe hands. My dream is that HATalk continues to inspire and empower hat makers everywhere, at every stage of their creative journey. I look forward to seeing the magazine grow and flourish under the new leadership.
HATalk | APR 2026
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