This just in: Forme' Millinery at Les Filles
We sat down with Chicago- based milliner, Jenny Pfanenstiel of Forme’ Millinery recently at Les Filles Boutique. She’s in town for a trunk show that continues through Wednesday at the boutique at Westport Village. Forme’ Millinery, with its vintage inspired look has been seen in several national and international magazines.
The line, Jenny says, consists of a lot of vintage inspired hats, each of which is one-of-a-kind and hand made. Jenny has a degree in fashion design and has experience designing and constructing costumes for theatre, film, commercials and private clients.
“I take pride in using age old techniques of steaming and hand blocking felt and straw over antique wooden hat blocks. I enjoy searching for the rarest and most unusual hat blocks that I can find. I believe this gives my hats the shape and character I am looking for,” she says.
“I like a lot of vintage embellishments, and vintage buttons. That’s what helps make the hats one-of-a-kind.” Each piece is between $150 and $400.
As Derby draws near, she shares her perspective on this year’s hat trends and how to wear them.
Mix. Don’t match. When choosing a hat to go with your dress, Jenny says it’s important not to be too “matchy –matchy.” “I’m a big fan of mixing shades of one color. So if you wear a sky blue dress, try a navy hat with feathers that are another blue,” she says.
Be bold. Just as with apparel this season, hats have gotten a dose of high impact color. “The colors this year are very bright. There’s lots of tangerines. "
Fit your face. You know what styles look best on our body and you make sure to always accentuate your best features. Do the same when it comes to your hat. “When you’re trying to choose the right hat, the main goal is to try on a lot of hats and decide what goes well with your face shape. If you’ve never worn a fascinator, try one on. Because of the Royal Wedding, I think we’ll be seeing a lot more fascinators and cocktail hats. (Kate Middleton) has played a big part in making them popular.” If you have an apple shape, you a smaller crown is better. Look for a shorter crown.
Fake your shape. “Another tip: The larger the brim, the smaller the waist. So the hat can help create that hourglass shape,” Jenny says.
Don’t fear the fascinator. I love creating fascinators. You can do so much with a fascinator and they look great on everyone. Whether you have short hair, Long hair, and no matter your size,” she says.
Forme Millinery
