KATHERINE ELIZABETH
THERE’S NOTHING THAT OOZES CLASS AND SOPHISTICATION QUITE LIKE THE PERFECT HAT. IT’S A POINT OF COMPETITION AT EVERY WEDDING, IT’S AN OUTFIT-DECIDER FOR CHRISTENINGS AND IT DIRECTLY AFFECTS FASHION CHOICES FOR GARDEN PARTIES, GALAS, AND OF COURSE, SUMMER’S FAVOURITE, THE RACES. BUT IT SEEMS THAT HATS ARE MAKING A RETURN AS A FASHION STAPLE LONG AFTER SUMMER FESTIVITIES DRAW TO A CLOSE. AND THE PERSON WHO CAN HELP YOU MAKE THESE SEASONAL HAT DECISIONS IS NONE OTHER THAN AWARD-WINNING MILLINER, KATHERINE ELIZABETH.
The established designer offers shoppers unique, one-of-a-kind hats, fascinators and headpieces for all seasons and occasions. She handcrafts individual styles and adds her personal touch with intricate details such as delicate beading, ostrich feathers, antique lace and, most exquisitely, Swarovski crystals.
Katherine’s designs allude to eras of classical elegance. Her hats are inspired by the 1920s and ‘40s Hollywood stars with mute and monotone colours, refined arrangement and chic femininity. She bases her designs on a combination of natural elements and classic architectural buildings. Her use of neutral rose-pinks and creamy tones together with her detail to structure and sophistication exemplify these inspirations. The marriage of these two juxtaposing elements creates hats that convey both sharp lines and precision, with earthiness and fluidity. These contrasting qualities make powerful yet glamorous headpieces that sit perfectly on the heads of Dita von Teese and the SoHo Dolls, two of Katherine’s biggest fans.
Having worked with top designers including Galliano and Dior and featuring in this year’s February/March Paris Fashion Week, Katherine Elizabeth is taking the fashion world by storm, whipping up interest wherever she goes. It is not surprising then, that her hats are soon to be stocked in Fenwick, Browns, Harrods and the UK’s largest independent online fashion retailer, ASOS.com.
Everyone needs an excuse to dress up and as the summer season bids us goodbye with a gust of autumnal wind, this milliner can offer you a chance to spruce up an old outfit, revamp your wardrobe and even get a key item in time for the party season. Katherine’s AW09 collection includes neutral shades, from soft apricots to rich browns on a variety of plush materials including silks, satins and Parisian felt. Embellishments vary from delicate beads, silk ribbon and the seductive, Sinamay netting.
If you can’t wait that long for the pre-Xmas parties then Katherine Elizabeth offers shoppers their very own ‘hat parties’. Sipping champagne, this swish setup invites Katherine into your home where she teaches between five and 20 party guests how to make their own designer hat. Bringing her modish materials with her, her vintage-style hats can be replicated to fit and suit you perfectly, at the reasonable price of £25pp. The host also gets a free Katherine Elizabeth handcrafted fascinator (RRP £80) if guests buy some of her designs.
These nights are a great excuse for a girly get-together; Katherine Elizabeth herself saying, “It’s like an Ann Summers Party without the naughty bits.” There may indeed be no naughty bits but a night learning the tricks with Lily Allen and VV Brown’s favourite hat-designer is no bad thing. For the more enthusiastic student, Katherine is also doing designing lessons in Claridge’s Mayfair beginning in the late autumn.
Your creations may not turn out to be masterpieces but Katherine Elizabeth’s most certainly are. Exuding a decadent and understated glamour, these affordable pieces will most definitely give designer quality to off-the-rack dresses, standing you out from the crowds.
Summer may be over and garden parties, regattas and races done for the season, but fascinators and headpieces continue to make a steady presence on evening wear. As the days shorten and the autumnal wind turns frosty, the party season no longer seems so far away. You may not have your Christmas frock yet, but with a Katherine Elizabeth creation you’re sure to be the belle of the ball.
Words Natasha Al-Atassi
