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.

Allison Lyndes is the winner of Bes-Ben: Humor and High Design Competition hosted by the Milliners Guild.  The piece titled Roll for Initiative! Was inspired by the game Dungeons & Dragons, with inspiration drawn from Bes-Ben motifs and techniques.

With a background in theatre studies, Allison completed a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from the University of Vermont.  It was during these studies she came to millinery and began working as a milliner and costuming for St. Michael’s College (Vermont) and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.

Following her studies, Allison has gone on to establish herself as a theatrical milliner and specialist in cosplay pieces.  Her work has been included in artisan events such as the One of a Kind Show Chicago (2013), and in theatrical productions from the LA Opera to a Broadway National Tour.  Allison works from her home studio in Colorado, USA.

You can see all of the entires from the Bes-Ben: Humor and High Design Competition here https://www.millinersguild.org/besben-all-entries

The pieces will be on display at NorthPark Center in Dallas, TX March 7 – May 15. The finalist hats will be displayed alongside pieces from the Texas Fashion Collection, including hats by Stephen Jones, Cristobal Balenciaga, Byron Lars, and Bes-Ben himself.

The finalist hats will then travel to New York City in June for a display in the Garment Center Window on West 38th Street along with competition entries by Milliners Guild members.

Kathy Anderson is the designer and milliner behind the label Hats by Kat.  She produces both hand blocked custom hats for women and men from a variety of materials including upcycled items of clothing. After a long career in the Fashion Industry Kathy studied millinery at FIT in New York City before launching her own label.

As a member of the Milliners Guild Kathy takes part in the annual Easter parade.  For Milliners Guild “Solidarity in Style: Celebrating Women’s Suffrage“ 100 years since the 19th Amendment was passed that gave women the right to vote she created a piece in honor Dr. Dorothy Height who fought for Civil Rights and Womens Right to Vote.