This blog brings together our latest updates, announcements and behind-the-scenes moments.
You’ll find the same posts we share on Instagram and Facebook, collected here in one place.
From one shade to another…
For the Colour Special in the August 2026 issue of The Hat Magazine (no. 110), Rachel Richardson explored Ombré in her inspiration sketches, using gradual transitions to create depth and movement in headwear.
Discover more about working with colour – from dyeing materials to layering translucent materials to create just the right shade – in issue 110!
Order a copy of this issue on the back issues page.
Remember the sinamay boater adorned with acetate sequins by Katherine Elizabeth for the Milliner’s Vision challenge in the August 2026 issue (no. 110)?
Yesterday, at the A/W 2027/28 edition of Première Vision in Paris, we met milliner @diligerartworks at the Moltec Brasil stand, where she showed us one of the hats she had created using the company’s acetate sequins. This theatrical red silk hat was shaped over a hessian base and sprayed gold before being decorated with the sequins.
Order a copy of this issue on the back issues page.
How many pins do you need to block a hat properly? The answer will depend on who you ask. If you ask Denise Innes-Spencer, she’ll tell you that you can easily use around 100!
In her article ‘Blocking your hat properly’ in the August 2026 issue (no. 110) of The Hat Magazine, Denise shares plenty of tips and tricks for smooth, precise blocking and pinning. Learn how to avoid lumps and bumps and achieve a finish so smooth that there’s no need to iron your blocked bases.
Order a copy of this issue on the back issues page.
What would you make if we gave you a package of acetate sequins by Moltec Brasil, spotted at Première Vision earlier this year?
UK milliner Katherine Elizabeth took on the challenge, using the translucent acetate circles to transform a sinamay boater. By cutting and layering the circles, she created new forms and colours, while fine jewellery wire allowed the elements to lift away from the hat, adding movement and a sculptural quality.
Discover more about the inspiration behind her design in the August 2026 issue (no. 110) of The Hat Magazine. Order a copy of this issue on the back issues page.
Issue 110 (August 2026) of The Hat Magazine is out! In this issue: Interview with Bedacht, Royal Ascot 2026 report, Mourning headwear, Colour Special with dye scheme and sheer fabric layering, Workroom technique ‘Dyeing sinamay’ by Bridget Bailey, and more!
Not yet a subscriber? Order a copy of this issue on the back issues page or become an online subscriber.
Hat on cover by Mia Hat & Accessory
Behind some of the world's finest embroidery lies a company with a history stretching back to 1767. Hand & Lock has spent more than two and a half centuries refining its craft. Originally specialising in military lace and goldwork, the company now creates embroidery for fashion, film, interiors and education, while continuing to champion traditional craftsmanship.
We featured Hand & Lock as part of the Needles & Threads special in The Hat Magazine May issue (no. 109), where we take a closer look at the needle, thread and techniques that every milliner relies on.
First photo: embroidered cap for Beyoncé
Order a copy of this issue on the back issues page.
Congratulations to Nathalie Écotière on winning The Hat Magazine Award at Les Estivales du Chapeau last Saturday!
Nathalie received The Hat Magazine Award for her sparkling competition entry, earning her a one-year subscription to The Hat Magazine and a €200 shopping voucher from Plooij Hats & Materials.
In the August issue of The Hat Magazine (no. 110), we'll take a closer look at Nathalie's award-winning design. You'll also find a full report on Les Estivales du Chapeau, featuring all the winning hats from this year's competition.
We’re all set up and ready for three inspiring days at Les Estivales du Chapeau in Caussade! ☀️
Visit the combined The Hat Magazine / HATalk stand for a fantastic programme of presentations and hands-on workshops. Join Cristina de Prada, Jane Fryers, Martine Henry, Mary Jane Baxter, Loes de Wolff and Wies Mauduit to discover new millinery techniques, pick up practical tips, and be inspired by their expertise.
Whether you’re taking part in a workshop or simply stopping by for a chat, we’d love to see you!
You'll find a report about the event in the upcoming August 2026 Issue (no. 110).
As part of our Needles & Threads feature in the May 2026 issue of The Hat Magazine (no. 109), we visited BOHIN in Saint-Sulpice-sur-Risle, Normandy, at the beginning of this year.
Founded in 1833, BOHIN is the last remaining manufacturer of hand-sewing needles in France. The company also produces pins and offers a wide range of haberdashery items to customers around the world. Many of the factory's highly specialised machines have been maintained and adapted over decades, while essential production knowledge is passed from one generation of workers to the next. The second and third pictures show part of the needle production process. The fourth picture shows how glass heads are melted directly onto sewing pins.
Did you know that not all sewing threads are twisted in the same direction?
Most hand-sewing threads have a Z-twist, which means the fibres tighten slightly as a right-handed stitch is formed. This helps keep the thread strong, reduces fraying and produces neater, more consistent stitches. S-twist threads may be preferred in machine sewing or for specialised applications, as they can behave differently under tension and may be better suited to certain stitch formations or machinery. For milliners, this distinction is particularly relevant to hand-sewing techniques such as binding, wiring and finishing, where control and durability are essential.
Find more practical information on threads in the Needles & Threads feature in The Hat Magazine May issue (no. 109). You can also check out the stitches overview in the wall planner included with the November 2024 issue (no. 103).
Planning a trip to Les Estivales du Chapeau in Caussade? We'd love to welcome you to the shared The Hat Magazine/HATalk stand!
From Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July, our contributors will be giving live demonstrations throughout the event:
Ask Cristina de Prada about the tools featured in her HATalk video blogs.
Watch Jane Fryers demonstrate professional lining techniques from her book Keep it under your hat! – copies will be available to buy and Jane will be happy to sign them.
Loes de Wolff will show how to create a beautiful bandeau bow using straw braid and fabric.
Martine Henry, HATalk's main maker's project contributor, will demonstrate a selection of her favourite techniques and answer your questions.
Mary Jane Baxter, editor of HATalk, will also be sharing some of her favourite millinery techniques.
And if you've ever wondered what to do with all those leftover materials, Wies Mauduit will show how to transform them into a charming summer headpiece using nothing more than pinking shears and a little patience.
Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical tips or simply want to meet some of the people behind The Hat Magazine and HATalk, we'd love to see you there!
Yesterday marked the fifth and final day of Royal Ascot 2026 and brought another memorable week at the racecourse to a close. Over the past five days, we have seen a wide variety of hats and headpieces, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of milliners from around the world.
If you would like to see more of this year’s Royal Ascot millinery, don’t miss the August 2026 issue of The Hat Magazine (No. 110), out on 15 August, featuring many more photos from the event!
While Royal Ascot is a showcase for British millinery, the headwear on display is truly international. Over the past four days, we have spotted creations by milliners from around the world. Alongside hats by British makers, we have seen designs from Belgium, Australia, Ukraine, the United States, the Netherlands and Spain, to name just a few.
Read a full report about Royal Ascot in the upcoming August 2026 Issue (no. 110).
Ladies Day at Royal Ascot did not disappoint! Despite a few drops of rain in the afternoon, the weather remained kind, with sunshine and occasional gusts of wind sweeping across the racecourse. The third day of the event once again brought an abundance of eye-catching millinery. While there was plenty of variety on display, one trend was particularly noticeable: hats almost entirely covered in feathers continue to be a popular choice, creating dramatic silhouettes and spectacular movement whenever the wind picked up.
Read a full report about Royal Ascot in the upcoming August 2026 Issue (no. 110).
Another beautiful day at Royal Ascot! ☀️
Day two brought more sunshine, a lively breeze – making those wearing larger hats occasionally keep a hand firmly on their headwear as they made their way around the racecourse – and plenty of great millinery to admire. From interesting material manipulation and inventive constructions to beautifully executed design details, there was no shortage of creativity on display.
Read a full report about Royal Ascot in the upcoming August 2026 Issue (no. 110).
