Patrycja Grzesznik discovered millinery quite by chance, after moving to the US from Europe she was  invited to the Kentucky Derby. Faced with the challenge of finding a hat, she enrolled in a class with milliner Jan Wutkowski—a moment that sparked her passion for hatmaking. With a background in creative hobbies including painting, sculpting, and sewing, Patrycja quickly found that millinery offered the perfect blend of artistry and practicality.

She continued to refine her skills through extensive training with Jan, courses on Hat Academy, and the formative experience of attending Millinery Meet Up, where she built lasting connections within the craft community. Today, she co‑leads Millinery Meet Up alongside Andrea Blohm, helping to foster education, collaboration, and support among milliners, tutors, and suppliers.

Patrycja’s millinery practice is defined by her ability to draw inspiration from the world around her, translating shapes, textures, and impressions into refined, elegant designs. Her nickname, “Warped Mind,” was affectionately given by Jan after observing one of her works in progress—an acknowledgment of Patrycja’s imaginative approach and her talent for transforming ideas into distinctive, edited forms.

After creating a hat for the Royal Wedding, Patrycja established her own brand in 2018, focusing on bespoke pieces for special occasions. Based in Atlanta, she creates hats for major Spring racing events including the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Preakness, Tennessee Steeplechase, Le Diner en Blanc, and weddings—particularly cherishing the opportunity to design elegant Mother‑of‑the‑Bride hats.

Committed to preserving the artistry of millinery, Patrycja is an active member of the Milliners Guild, a non‑profit organisation dedicated to raising public awareness of the craft. Through her work, teaching, and community involvement, she champions the value of handmade hats and the community around it.

Hear from founding members of Millinery Meet Up Jan and Diane in the podcast here.

This podcast is hosted and produced by Lauren Ritchie for MillineryInfo

Giulia Mio is an Italian milliner who originally trained in set and costume design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice and Milan, where she developed an interest in sculptural form, visual storytelling, and material exploration. During her Master’s studies she encountered millinery and chose to specialise, undertaking further training in Rome, Milan, and Zurich.

After relocating to the United Kingdom in 2013, Giulia continued to refine her technical skills under leading tutors, expanding her knowledge of couture methods while exploring innovative approaches to modern materials and developing a strategic plan to further her millinery practice.

Influenced by fashion, fine art, theatre, and the natural world, Giulia’s work is characterised by a thoughtful, research‑driven approach to form, structure, and surface. She draws on her multidisciplinary background to create pieces that demonstrate technical precision while continually exploring new techniques to integrate into her millinery.

Giulia regularly participates in London Craft Week, contributing to the wider conversation around contemporary craft and showcasing the depth of skill and innovation within modern millinery.

She is now based at the Makers Yard in Leicester, where she maintains her studio practice and contributes to the wider millinery community through the British Hat Guild and her connections with local makers.

This podcast is hosted and produced by Lauren Ritchie for MillineryInfo

Jane Fryers is a British milliner who has led the innovative use of fish leather in contemporary hatmaking. She trained at the London College of Fashion and Kensington & Chelsea College before studying intensively with Rose Cory MBE. In 2005 she received a scholarship from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), enabling her to undertake advanced training in traditional millinery skills and continue her studies with Rose Cory. The scholarship also opened doors to new opportunities, exhibitions, and collaborations that continue to influence her work today.

Jane has been a pioneer in the use of fish leather in millinery, a material she began exploring after seeing a photograph of a salmon‑skin bikini designed by Claudia Escobar. What started as a moment of curiosity developed into a sustained investigation into how this durable, sustainable material could be integrated into traditional millinery techniques. Her fish‑leather pieces have been exhibited internationally and were even presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II during the Diamond Jubilee year, prompting the memorable question of whether the material “smelled fishy” — it does not, she confirms.

Her work has received significant recognition, including first prize in the Italian Cappelli nel Mondo competition, second prize in the Feltmakers Design Competition, and a finalist position in The Hat Magazine’s Designer of the Year. Alongside her material research, Jane maintains a strong focus on upcycling and the creative reuse of existing textiles.

Jane also teaches at Central Saint Martins and other specialist private millinery schools, sharing her technical knowledge and enthusiasm for experimentation with both emerging and experienced makers.

In 2025, Jane published Keep It Under Your Hat: A Little Book of Linings, a practical yet playful guide that explores the selection, construction, and fitting of linings inside hats, further cementing her role as both a maker and an educator within the millinery community.

This podcast is hosted and produced by Lauren Ritchie for MillineryInfo

Tommy Cobau is a New York–based theatrical milliner whose work spans Broadway, opera, ballet, national tours, and major entertainment companies. Tommy studied Costume Design and Technology in Ohio, where he first developed an interest in sculptural construction and headwear. He went on to complete a millinery apprenticeship at the Santa Fe Opera under Deborah Nash, gaining experience in large‑scale repertory production and the collaborative pace of an opera workroom.

After moving to New York, Tommy’s first role was refurbishing headpieces for the Radio City Rockettes, a fast introduction to high‑volume, high‑precision entertainment work. He later joined the studios of Lynne Mackey and Arnold Levine, contributing to millinery for Broadway productions and cruise ship shows, and building a reputation for consistency, adaptability, and strong workshop communication.

As his freelance practice expanded, Tommy began creating pieces for the New York City Ballet, further developing techniques for lightweight, movement‑responsive headwear. In 2021, Tommy was appointed Head Milliner at the Metropolitan Opera, succeeding Janet Linville. There, he managed millinery builds across a demanding repertory schedule, overseeing teams, budgets, and the technical requirements of productions ranging from new commissions to historic revivals.

In 2025, Tommy established his own millinery studio, where he now works full‑time with a growing team. His shop produces custom headwear and accessories for theatre, opera, ballet, film, and private clients, with a focus on practical construction, repeatability, and meeting the specific needs of performance environments

This podcast is hosted and produced by Lauren Ritchie for MillineryInfo

Sombrerería Mil stands as one of Barcelona’s most enduring craft institutions—a hat shop founded in 1856 and now led by Jordi Creus Arnau, the fifth generation of the Arnau family. For more than 160 years, the business has preserved the traditions of master hatmaking while evolving with the city’s cultural life. Their current shop, located at C/ Fontanella 20, has been part of Barcelona’s urban fabric since 1917, retaining its original charm even as it continues to serve a modern, international clientele.

Inside this century‑old space, visitors find an extensive selection of hats, caps, and seasonal accessories—from Panama hats and natural fibres for summer to felt and wool styles for winter. Sombrerería Mil is known for stocking many of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Stetson, Borsalino, Brixton, Bailey, Christy’s, Göttmann, Doria, Elosegui, Kangol, Mayser, and Signes, alongside their own labels Mil and Núria Arnau. Their in‑house workshop continues the tradition of hand‑crafted production, offering bespoke headdresses and special‑occasion pieces for weddings, ceremonies, theatre, and carnival.

Beyond retail, Sombrerería Mil plays an active role in Barcelona’s contemporary hat culture. The family—particularly Núria Arnau—has been a strong supporter of Barcelona Hat Days, contributing workshops, demonstrations, and community engagement. The shop is also closely associated with the city’s legendary Barcelona Hat Stroll, an annual celebration that brings together milliners and hat lovers from around the world to parade through the streets in their finest headwear.

Today, Sombrerería Mil remains a rare blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural leadership. It is both a living museum of European hatmaking and a vibrant hub for contemporary millinery, continuing to inspire locals, visitors, and the global hat community.

This podcast is hosted and produced by Lauren Ritchie for MillineryInfo

Fiona Cooper is a Melbourne-based milliner and owner of the brand Millinery Laa Laa. She graduated from Kangan TAFE with a Certificate IV in Millinery.

Encouraged by Rose Hudson, she became Secretary of Millinery Australia, serving from 2020 to 2022, before ascending to President in 2023 and contributing to the industry’s growth.

In 2025, Fiona won the Lillian Frank Millinery Award with her visually striking GRAPHICA design, which linked her graphic design background to quilting traditions through five coloured stripes in navy, khaki, amethyst, grey, and white, balancing and contrasting with each other.

In 2022, she placed in the Top 10 of the Millinery Australia Design Award “Counter Balance” with her piece “3 Sisters”, graphically depicting the bond between her and her twin sisters.  Fiona has shared her pieces as part of a collaborative Pop-up Shop, Millinery Headquarters.

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

In this episode, we are joined by the three winners of the 2025 Australia Millinery Award – Rebecca Share, Tracey Tau, and Angela Sullivan – three remarkable designers shaping the face of contemporary Australian millinery. They share their personal sources of inspiration, their choice of materials and techniques, and insights into their creative process.

Winner of both First Prize and the Patron’s Pick for her whimsical yet highly technical piece “Pigs Do Fly”, Rebecca Share is a celebrated milliner known for her bold, sculptural designs. Her work has gained international acclaim, with bespoke headpieces featured on Jennifer Lopez’s 2019 U.S. tour. A two-time MYER Fashions on the Field Millinery Award winner, Rebecca also leads hatatelier.com, mentoring the next generation of milliners through online courses and masterclasses.

Melbourne-based milliner Tracey Tau, founder of TOOALI Millinery, blends modern elegance with craftsmanship inspired by her early years in the racing industry. She now leads The Essential Hat and serves as Vice President of Millinery Australia, supporting the growth and visibility of Australian hat makers worldwide. This year, she took second prize in the Australia Millinery Award with her sculptural headpiece “We’re Off to Paris!”

Angela Sullivan shares her millinery journey – how her family’s love of craft and her background as a hairdresser led her to become a milliner and a fellow member of Millinery Australia, taking third place in this year’s competition. Her piece “Party on the Lawn” combined playfulness, exceptional skill, and lightness to ensure comfortable wear. She has also earned multiple distinctions, including Best in Show at the 2025 Ekka.

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

Marthe Dumas is a versatile French millinery artist and craftswoman, celebrated for her diverse creations that include hats for TV and stage productions, haute couture, everyday wear, weddings, special occasions, and even video games. She combines exceptional craftsmanship with a keen sensitivity to materials and artistic creativity to bring her unique designs to life.

Marthe’s interest in millinery began while training in embroidery at Lycée professionnel La Source, a vocational arts and crafts college in Nogent-sur-Marne, a suburb of Paris:

“I can’t explain why, but I was drawn to this accessory. For me, it felt innate, as if it had always been part of me.”

She has worked with distinguished institutions such as the Opéra de Paris Bastille, the Opéra Comique, Maison Michel, Anthony Peto, Marie Mercié (Atelier 144), and Chéri Bibi. Her portfolio includes contributions to live performances, audiovisual projects, and artistic events.

Marthe designed headwear for the period crime drama “Paris Police 1905” and more recently collaborated with Ubisoft Video Games, creating hats for various game universes.

Motivated by a desire to express her own vision, Marthe launched her eponymous brand, which she has been actively developing since 2017.

Her style is profoundly influenced by the materials she works with, especially her favourite—soft, plush felt. Marthe listens closely to the fabric’s texture and character, drawing inspiration from its unique tactile qualities as she creates.

In 2025, Marthe was honoured with the prestigious Craft Prize at the Chazelles-sur-Lyon Millinery Competition for her creation, Le Pointill’ Hat. She painstakingly hand-stitched 6,350 small multicoloured felt dots onto a white fur felt beret, each dot sewn individually. This striking technique celebrates both artistry and tradition, paying homage to pointillism while transforming the beret into a vibrant tribute inspired by Georges Seurat’s masterful approach to art.

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

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

Noel Stewart is a renowned British milliner based in London. Born and raised in Leicester, he moved to London to study at the Royal College of Art, which became the launching pad for his remarkable career in millinery.

Noel honed his craft under the guidance of industry icons Stephen Jones, Rachel Skinner, and Philip Somerville. His career and designs are both enigmatic and exceptional, seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics with traditional millinery techniques. Inspired by architecture, Noel’s hats are sublime creations that merge luxurious materials with comfort, resulting in headpieces that are both wearable and elevating. His work spans collaborations with leading fashion brands, as well as theatre, television, and film productions.

He has designed for prestigious names including Mulberry, Hussein Chalayan, Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, JW Anderson, Hermès, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy Haute Couture, and Valentino.

Noel’s creations have adorned celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, Keira Knightley, Kylie Minogue, Cara Delevingne, Victoria Beckham, and the Duchess of Sussex.

His headpieces have appeared on screen in productions like Damsel (2024), Emma. (2020), Mary Queen of Scots (2018), Murder on the Orient Express (2017), and The Danish Girl (2015). For Murder on the Orient Express, he collaborated with Oscar-winning costume designer Alexandra Byrne, creating hats and headpieces for Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Penelope Cruz, Lucy Boynton, and Olivia Colman.

Recently, Noel and his team completed work on a new production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Barbican, and crafted hats for the ongoing Balenciaga Haute Couture show in June – July 2025. The 53rd Balenciaga Haute Couture show featured Noel’s extraordinary wide-trimmed plumage hats, carbon hats and whimsical t-shirt hats.

When asked about creating Ascot hats or helping clients choose from his atelier, Noel says:

“Finding the right hat should be a playful exploration. It should be a joyous expression of discovering themselves.”

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