Discover the inspiring journey of Inge Los, the creative mind behind “Bring Your Own Cake,” this year’s winning piece at the Dutch Hat Association Competition. Inge’s adventure into millinery began back in 2015, when she sought a creative outlet and found not only artistry but a sense of calm and patience she hadn’t known before. Under the expert mentorship of renowned Dutch hat designer Marga van der Bos, Inge honed her craft, finding joy and fulfilment that contrasted with her earlier jobs.

After overcoming personal trauma in 2020 and still living with its impact, Inge realised how crucial it was to return to millinery—a source of comfort and self-expression. Her award-winning hat, inspired by the whimsical theme “Mad Hatter’s Wonderland,” showcases her inventive spirit. The engineering challenge of perfectly placing the golden sieve kept her awake for nights on end, but the final result was nothing short of flawless.

Winning the Dutch Hat Association Competition was a surreal, empowering experience for Inge. It reignited her motivation and helped her break free from simply collecting materials, encouraging her to complete projects and clear space for fresh, bold ideas.

Embracing her creativity, Inge also embarked on a new career in IT, a move that supports her craft and lets her enjoy creative freedom in both the digital and couture worlds. Check the podcast description for a link and admire the breathtaking balance and beauty of Inge’s millinery creation!

This podcast is hosted and produced by Lauren Ritchie and edited by Maria Volkova for MillineryInfo