Tracy Chaplin
‘Swirl’
Black Parasisal straw hat inspired by the timeless elegance of the 1930’s - 1940’s.
My hat design has been inspired by the hat fashion and classic elegance of the 1930’s and 40’s. The hat fashion of the time was to wear a hat that perched on the right side of the head.
This design echoes the elegance of that period in time with a contemporary twist.
Price: £795.
Materials and Techniques
For this design I have used a black parasisal straw capeline. The straw has been stiffened with a water based hat stiffener than left to dry. I then polished the straw to prepare for the next stage. It was then cut and customized please refer to images.
The straw was steamed and freeform hand sculpted to create soft manipulated folds and the edges folded and a wire inserted and stitched in place.
The base has been blocked on a dome crown block and then customized to follow the rhythm of the swirl and provides support. The hat is attached with a hat elastic.
Millinery Heritage
“My career started in 1984 when I started creating soft pattern hats with hand printed fabrics that I sold from a stall in Camden market.
During the early years of my career I developed my own techniques and created unique headwear using unusual materials. The designs were worn by clubbers, artists and actors.
In 2000 I trained with Rose Cory Milliner to the queen mother and Royal Warrant holder.
My great aunt Olive Cave ran a wholesale millinery showroom near to Libertys in Great Marlborough Street. I’ve been told the business was called Smith and Lister and then later changed to Edwin Knot. Her father made traditional top hats and bowlers in the East End. I don’t have any information about the business but I do have some of the hats that she sold from the 1930’s.”
about Tracy Chaplin
I have sold my hats to House of Fraser, small boutiques worldwide as well as the aristocracy and private clients.
I moved to France in 2008 and started teaching Millinery Workshops from my atelier in my home in 2013. I have a passion for millinery and enjoy sharing my skills and techniques and inspiring others.
I have been a prize winner on more than 5 separate occasions at the Hat Festival in Caussade, France.
I’m a founding member of The British Millinery association and became a freeman of the City of London and joined the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers in 2021.