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

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

Maria Carmen is a milliner working between the UK and Romania. Her first millinery class was an online course with Katherine Elizabeth, and since 2020 she has dedicated herself to mastering the art of millinery. She has studied with master milliners from the UK, Australia, and the US, and trained under the oldest surviving hat-maker in Romania.

Carmen embraced the opportunity to connect with Romania’s small but vibrant millinery community, many of whom specialise in traditional headwear. Inspired by this heritage, she founded The Association of Romanian Hat Makers & Milliners to support and promote the craft within her home country.

In 2024, Carmen entered the Hattember competition, where she was awarded Millinery Professional 2nd Place for her piece “United”. Her design was inspired by the core message of the Olympic Games — to bring people together from all over the world and create lasting bonds. Carmen believes that friendship between people should define the relationships between nations, and that peace should guide everything, everywhere.

Cassie MacGregor, the founder and maker behind House of MacGregor, has been crafting bespoke hats since 2002. Her passion for millinery blossomed during her time at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, where the creation of her first fabric beret sparked a lifelong dedication to the art of hat-making. She went on to work for Albertus Swanepoel and Lynne Mackay. After honing her skills through experiences in theater, high fashion, and couture, Cassie returned to Dallas in 2008, establishing her studio in the vibrant Bishop Arts District.

At House of MacGregor, Cassie brings her clients’ inner magic to life through meticulously crafted hats. She specializes in creating unique, custom pieces that reflect her clients’ personal styles. From exquisite Kentucky Derby hats that make springtime a celebration to luxurious rabbit fur velour fedoras for cooler months, each hat is a wearable sculpture that marries tradition with modern elegance. Cassie’s philosophy embraces the organic nature of her craft, ensuring that no two hats are ever the same.

Cassie is currenlty the President of the Milliners Guild USA, championing the artistry and craftsmanship of hat-making through her leadership and collaborative projects between fellow makers.

Bronwyn Shooks returns to the podcast to share with us about her 2024 Millinery Australia Design Award-winning piece.  Find the first podcast with Bronwyn here, where she shares about her millinery education and mentor Jean Caroll.  In this episode, Brownyn speaks about creating the piece ‘A Galaxy of Wisdom’.

Brownyn is a theatrical millinery based in Sydney who has created pieces for musicals including Hamilton both the Australian and international tour, Mary Poppins & Juliet, Gaslight for Queensland Theatre Company just to name a few.

Anne Tomlin, hailing from Hassocks, England, is a distinguished artisan specializing in bespoke floral creations. Armed with a Textiles degree from West Surrey College of Arts, she honed her craft further by delving into Millinery at The London College of Fashion, under the tutelage of the esteemed Marie O’Regan. Collaborating for over two decades with her creative counterpart, Bridget Bailey, they formed the renowned duo of Bailey and Tomlin, crafting exquisite hats for prestigious establishments across the UK, USA, and Japan.

Transitioning from the bustling landscape of large-scale production, Anne found solace in a tranquil retreat from London, temporarily stepping back from the artistic realm. However, her passion reignited, and she has since reclaimed her creative sanctuary. Now, Anne devotes her time to meticulously handcrafting floral wonders, blending traditional techniques with her innovative approaches cultivated through years of millinery and flower-making expertise.

Anne has recently shared her skills by writing and publishing a book titled “Making Silk Flowers”. The book includes clear step-by-step sequences with details of how to create beautiful flowers from a range of silk and millinery fabrics.

Delve into Anne’s world of floral artistry through her website and purchase a copy of her book at: https://www.annetomlin.com/product/making-silk-flowers/

The Milliners Guild was proud to hold its first international millinery competition in 2022.

First Prize: Saar Snoek
Second Prize: Candy Warhol
Third Prize: Emily Bronwen and Vanessa J Lopez
People’s Choice: Kate Nikolson

First Prize: The Randal Alan First Prize: “Roll For Initiative” – Allison Lyndes of Frontier Millinery
Second Prize: “Queen Bee” – Karen Geraghty of Mind Your Bonce Millinery
Third Prize: “Confection” – Tommy Cobau

Denise Innes-Spencer is a milliner and teacher based in Liverpool.  She founded The British School of Millinery in 1996.  The school offers face-to-face and online courses for all levels from beginners through to experienced practitioners.

She began her career as a pattern cutter and spent time working at what is now known as Angels Costumes before setting up her own freelance business and training as a teacher.  She learnt her millinery skills from the legendary Rose Cory and attended classes for many years.

In 2017 Denise wrote and published her first book which focuses on skill development for bridal headdresses with detailed, illustrated instructions that explore wires, knitted wires, beads and diamantes.

She is a regular contributor to The Hat Magazine sharing techniques across a range of materials.  Denise currently teaches millinery at John Moores University and has been a guest teacher at London Hat Week and Barcelona Hat Week alongside working with The Brain Charity in Liverpool.

You can purchase Denise’s book Tiara Headdresses at  https://www.thebritishschoolofmillinery.com/product-page/tiara-headdresses-by-denise-innes-spencer

Pick up the latest copy of The Hat Magazine or read it online at https://www.thehatmagazine.com/

Isabelle Soetaerts of Isabo Chapo works from across two locations in Belgium, Tienen and Hasselt providing an exclusive millinery and hat experience to her customers.

She completed her millinery training in Hasselt in 1998 and continued her education with several masterclasses abroad with renowned milliners such as Marianne Jongkind, Hannah Hnilikova, Bridget Bailey, Ian Bennett and Dillon Wallwork.

In 2007 she took the leap and opened her shop front in the Leuvensestraat in Tienen where she creates custom hats for all occasions.

Isabelle expanded her offering to include other brands such as Borsalino, Derby Sport, Panizza and Seeberger. These provide an extensive range of both classic and sporty hats and caps.

Following a teacher training course Isabellebe began Cursa Bree in 2018 and offers millinery classes in her workspace in Belgium.

In 2022 Isabelle won the NHV Hat Contest 2022 with her piece “Madame Paulette”.  The theme was ‘Vintage with a twist’! in which competition participants received a “surprise package” of vintage materials, provided by Plooij Hats & Materials.

Ian Bennett is a London Based milliner known for his technical skill and passion for quality couture millinery construction.  Completing his Master’s in Millinery Ian has gone on to have a long working career this year celebrating 30 years in the trade.

This career so have has seen him awarded Hat Designer of the Year by The Hat Magazine and work in workrooms at Phillip Somerville, Freddy Fox and Angela Kelly in preparation for the Queen’s Jubilee.

He currently works from his shop in London where he designs, creates and teaches. Ian published a book sharing his millinery techniques and knowledge titled “My World According to Me”

Ian joins us in this podcast as he reflects on his love of the art of creating, making millinery and his career so far that is by no means coming to a close anytime soon.