The Art of Millinery

Inspiration, Craft and Confidence

by Maree Starkey

Article originally published in The Lunch Mag, Issue 6, June 2025

People often ask me, “Where do you find inspiration for your designs?” It’s a good question, and to be honest I’m never quite sure. I’m not good at sketching my ideas. My creative process tends to start in my head and comes to life with my hands.

Inspiration can come from the smallest details: the colour of a straw cloth, the curve of a vintage trim, or the texture of an old piece of lace. I’ve collected a ‘stash’ of materials over time including ribbons, feathers, fabrics, and vintage treasures. I sift through my stash when I’m ready to begin something new. Once I spread everything out across my table, ideas start to emerge. Sometimes the final piece looks exactly as I imagined. Other times, it takes on a life of its own and evolves into something entirely different which is all part of the magic.

Pinterest is another great source of creative sparks. I often come across an unexpected use of a fabric or embellishment and find myself inspired to experiment. One of the things I truly love about millinery is that there are no real mistakes, only new directions. The materials often guide you, not the other way around.

Nature is also an incredible teacher when it comes to colour and form, and vintage hats from past eras continue to fascinate me. There was a time when no one left the house without a hat. Everyday styles were beautifully tailored, but occasion hats? Pure theatre. The shapes, the trims, the confidence—they were show-stoppers.

I take enormous pride in giving each piece a true couture finish. Whether it’s a hat or a headband, it should be just as beautifully crafted on the inside as it is on the outside. A few extra stitches and a little more time can elevate a piece from lovely to exceptional.

There’s such joy in turning raw materials like straw cloth, felt and feathers into wearable art. That joy multiplies when I see the smile on a client’s face the first time they try it on. So many people say, “Hats don’t suit me,” but more often than not, they’ve simply never worn one properly. If you plonk a hat on top of your head, of course it won’t look right. But with a little positioning and a few tweaks, most people are amazed at how different – and how fabulous – they can look. Comfort is just as important as style. After all, if you’re going to wear a hat for hours, it needs to feel secure and effortless.

Seeing one of my designs worn and enjoyed is still one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. Every piece I make is one-of-a-kind. I never repeat a design, and I don’t copy others. Every client deserves something truly unique.

Although I spent many years as a Couture Dressmaker, my millinery skills have largely been self-taught through online courses and hands-on workshops. The online classes are fantastic with experienced milliners sharing their knowledge and techniques.

But the real gems have been the workshops where I’ve connected with fellow creatives. Sharing ideas, laughing over coffee, and finding that camaraderie in what can sometimes be a solitary craft has been invaluable.

Custom orders are another highlight. I love chatting with clients about the event they’re attending, what they’ll be wearing, and helping shape the perfect headpiece for the occasion. That collaboration brings the piece to life, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see it all come together.

The biggest challenge on my millinery journey hasn’t been the design side. It’s been promoting my business. How do you let people know who you are and what you do? Social media is obviously essential these days, but for those of us who didn’t grow up with computers and smartphones in hand, it can feel overwhelming. I never set out to become a photographer, a copywriter, or a social media strategist… I just wanted to make beautiful hats. I still only want to make hats. But as a solopreneur, you quickly learn “to wear many hats”, quite literally.

Fortunately, there’s a wonderful community of people out there willing to help, and thanks to them, I’ve learned how to navigate the digital world just enough to keep my business on track.

The good news? I never seem to run out of design ideas—and I hope that creative flow continues for many years to come.

About the Author

Maree Starkey is a talented milliner with many years of experience in couture dressmaking and millinery. Deeply passionate about her craft, she designs and handcrafts each piece. Every creation is a one-off design, reflecting her love of individuality and attention to detail.

Maree’s article: The Art of Millinery in Business was originally printed in Issue 6 of The Lunch Mag.

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