Description
Plum purple felt hat with felt loops, veiling overlay and pleated ribbon nautilus shell decoration.
As with all my occasion hats, I make this elegant piece by hand, using traditional millinery techniques. For this particular hat, I have hand-blocked and almost entirely handsewn the piece, except for a small amount of machine stitching to the lining.
Meanwhile, I have used a couture millinery technique to create the intricate nautilus shell decoration. This ribbon shell, along with the felt loops, adds a touch of vintage glamour to this piece.
I have made the button hat base and loops from rich plum felt. I have then overlaid the base with a coordinating purple veiling. Meanwhile, I made the nautilus shell decoration from pleated petersham ribbon, in a complimentary shade of purple.
I have fully lined the inside of the hat with a complimentary purple, lilac and mint green taffeta fabric. Finally, I have finished the inside with a purple petersham ribbon, which matches the nautilus shell.
Dimensions of Hat
- Width: approximately 14cm (5.5 inches)
- Height (including decoration): approximately 8cm (3 inches)
- Circumference: approximately 42cm (16 inches)
How to Wear this Hat
I have designed this hat so that it can be worn to the left or right of the head. I have also fitted it with a thin, adjustable black elastic, allowing you to easily secure the hat in place. This elastic is thin enough to be hidden in your hair, thereby creating the illusion that the hat is magically perched on the head.
Where to Wear this Hat
This hat would look fabulous at any formal occasion, from autumn right through to spring. Although it’s small enough to be worn comfortably all day, this hat’s deep plum colour and dramatic loops, mean it still packs a punch!
Gifting Information
I will send your piece in a white hat box, which I carefully pack with acid free tissue paper, and finish with a pink satin ribbon. Storing your hat in this tissue-filled box will keep it in tip top condition for many years to come.
Although I don’t offer gift wrap for these designs, I can add a gift message card if you are gifting from a distance.
Please do complete your message in the box above, especially if you’d like it to be delivered direct to the lucky lass. Don’t forget to say who it is a gift for…and importantly, who it is from!
Authentic Craftmanship
I created the nautilus shell, which features on this hat, using a complex technique, first established in the 1950s.
This couture technique requires such skill that, nowadays, only a handful of milliners, including myself, practice the technique. Therefore, this hat really is a unique piece of expert craftsmanship.
To find out more about the history of the Nautilus technique, and my personal journey of discovery, read my series of blogs on the topic.
Looking For Something a Little Different?
I created this plum purple felt hat as a one-of-a-kind piece. However, I can use the design as inspiration for a bespoke order – creating something unique, tailored to your specifications. For example, I could create this hat with a different colour or type of fabric, to suit your outfit. If you would like to discuss a bespoke order, please do drop me a message, and I will get back to you.
Show me how You wear Yours!
I LOVE seeing photos from my customers showing how they have styled their hats for the big occasion!
Please do share your photos with me on Facebook (@imogensimaginationuk) and Instagram (@imogensimagination) and don’t forget to use the hashtag #imogensimagination
