The Formé Millinery Story
I was born in the small town of Kokomo, Indiana. As a child, I grew up watching my Mother make clothes for my sister and I and fondly remember having to stand very still while she pinned the fabric and patterns over my body. Her precision and attention to detail were unwavering. Who would have known that those early moments with my Mother were shaping my future as a Couture Milliner. At a young age, I started collecting vintage hats and began taking sewing classes from local seamstresses. In high school, I had the pleasure of working with a world renowned Costume Designer from London, who now lived locally in my Colorado community. She emphasized the importance of thinking She emphasized the importance of thinking outside the box and the value of creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces. I was fortunate to have some of these showcased in galleries and fashion shows throughout ColoradoShe emphasized the importance of thinking outside the box and the value of creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces. I was fortunate to have some of these showcased in galleries and fashion shows throughout Colorado.outside the box and the value of creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces. I was fortunate to have some of these showcased in galleries and fashion shows throughout Colorado. As a result of this wonderful experience, I decided to pursue the path of studying Fashion Design. In 1997, I graduated with Honors with a degree in Fashion Design from the Art Institute of Colorado. While in school, I proudly received the “Most Creative Upcoming Designer” award and was a scholarship winner as well as recognized designer from “Fashion Group International”. Even though our school did not offer a formal course in millinery, my personal fashion collections often included a handmade hat. I often used the coordinating left-over fabric to create the headpiece, also including any interesting adornment I came across. While in Colorado, I worked with the Colorado Ballet and Ballet Arts Theater, designing and constructing costumes for stage performances. In 1998, I wanted to expand my horizons and therefore relocated to Chicago where I continued my passion designing and constructing costumes for theatre, film, commercials and private clients. As a result, my name became more familiar throughout the Chicago market. My creative abilities allowed me to work with clients such as, Cirque du Soleil, Margaret Cho, Hubbard Street Dance, Outing Riley and Amistad. While I have always had a passion for designing clothing, I had an even bigger passion for hats. At the time I didn’t realize one could have a career as a hat maker until I met a professional milliner and fell in love with the craft. This was exactly what I had been waiting for and had finally found my true calling as a designer. After spending a year studying and learning the ancient methods of hat making, in 2007 I created my company Formé Millinery, to showcase my art and love for hats. Through my former experiences with detailed couture clothing, my craft for hand-sewn couture hats came naturally. Today, all of my hats are handmade. 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. As a milliner, I have become known for my dedication to quality and incorporating once admired embellishments and materials into my hats to make a truly one-of-a-kind piece. I have an unbelievable passion for making hats and searching for that perfect vintage accoutrement that gives the hat a story but with a new life and a new purpose. As a Couture Milliner, my goal is to make a person feel sensational in my hats. I want them to look into the mirror and feel transformed, almost as if they are one with the creation of the hat. Although I enjoy creating hats with all generations of influence, I find that the 1920s and 1940s are particularly inspirational. Sometimes, I believe my true spirit belonged to generations before me. The style was so amazing and the craftsmanship of the hats was impeccable, thus having a great influence in what I create today. Then, men and women never left the house without wearing a hat and milliners were found in every city. I very much relate to that time and although it would be easy for me to say that I was born in the wrong era, I feel blessed to be able to bring these influences to modern day. Despite the casual and often ‘hatless’ culture of the 21st century, I do see hats making a comeback and the milliners that are left (or reborn) are working to preserve this once thriving craft. People are starting to learn again what true millinery is and appreciating it. I am honored to be recognized as an international award winning Couture Milliner. I have expanded my collections to include a lavish assortment of couture cocktail and wedding hats, gentlemen’s hats, vintage inspired baby hats and vintage inspired headbands for all ages. You can find my collections in shops around the country and magazines such as British Vogue and Country Living. My hats were even featured on the Oprah show on April 29, 2011 for the Royal Wedding Party episode. I truly enjoy the art of millinery and welcome you to try on a hat.