Janet Linville began her millinery career in 1979, when she started working on the Casino shows in Atlantic City. From there she went on to work for Woody Shelp, The Santa Fe Opera and in 1997 took on the role of milliner at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Originally studying Home Economics, Clothing and Textiles Janet completed a BA in Theater before finding her way into industry.  She began making hats after landing a costume job in Atlantic City before moving to New York in 1982. She began teaching fashion millinery at the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1987.  The course was founded by Anne Albrizio and she got Janet involved in the teaching team.

While working freelance from her own studio Janet made has for movies including My Best Friend’s Wedding, the Big Apple Circus and Broadway shows which included Lion King, Miss Saigon, Beauty and the Beast.   In 1997 she had the opportunity to take on the role of the in-house milliner at the MET Opera. For this work, she has created pieces for iconic shows that have graced the New York stage including pieces that have been set on fire, dumped in water and thrown across the stage.

In 2022 Janet retired from her role at the MET however continues her role teaching at FIT.