Go behind the scenes with Annabel...

Today I thought I would give you a peek behind the scenes by sharing an excerpt of my interview with Sophie Martin when she asked to "meet the maker" behind Annabel Allen Millinery...

Today we're getting to know Annabel a little better... come behind the scenes with us and MEET THE MAKER!

~ What made you want to be a milliner and how long have you been making hats? 

~ What's your favourite part of the hat to create? 

~ Are there any processes that you find particularly enjoyable?

Whilst it might not seem like the most exciting process out of all the fun things I get to do, I actually really enjoy hand dying my own materials.  Many clients come to me having searched high and low to find an exact match to their outfit and I love that I can offer fabrics that match in almost any design they like- no compromises needed!  There is something a bit hocus pocus about it as I stand over my boiling pot of dye adding a bit of this and a bit of that to get the exact shade.  I am a perfectionist so it can take hours of tweaking and I am often surprised by what colours are needed to create a certain hue but it is immensely satisfying when it all comes together and I get my colour!

~ What's your favourite style of hat to make?

I created a bespoke base shape years ago that I think I have used in every seasonal collection since- I love it!  It is really flattering with all face shapes and just looks like it wants to party!

~ Tell us a little bit about your studio, what's it like to work for yourself? 

I feel incredibly lucky to work where I live and live where I do in the Gloucestershire countryside.   As anyone who has visited me will know, my studio is small and pretty secluded! It sits at the back of my house overlooking the garden and is my sanctuary.  I have a small client area at the front where I exhibit all my hats and hold consultations, and the rest is my work space, which is where the magic happens!  It's great having it all in one place as it makes it much easier for me to grab materials and illustrate my ideas to clients- my collections only showcase a fraction of what is possible!

~ Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about your process? 

My process is very organic and whilst my designs often start out drawn on a piece of paper, they often evolve into something entirely different when I start making.  I find the materials I use often have a life of their own and find it much more enjoyable, and the results far more pleasing if I listen to them and let them do their thing!