Hot off the press

Emilliner certainly feels lucky as of late- having lovely articles in two Indianapolis magazines!

Indianapolis Woman

The Indianapolis Monthly

I'm so pleased and proud to have the support of my city!

(and can I just say the biggest THANK YOU to The Indianapolis Monthly, Polina Osherov, Nikki Sutton, and Kiralee Hubbard for giving me the best headshots/artshots ever. Thanks also to Laury Kruty of IW and Bryan Payton IM for the supportive words.)

Hatcraft is here!

Proudly announcing the launch of Emilliner's latest venture!

Hatcraft Studio// Handmade Hats, Fascinators and Embellishments. Affordable, easy to wear accessories.

Get the first look at this Saturday's Indiana Handicraft Exchange. June 12th, noon-8pm at the Harrison Center. Find Hatcraft on the lower level inside!

inspiration: miles aldridge

inspirational hat (and cat) pics of the day

photographer Miles Aldridge for Vogue Italia 2008

hats by Diesel and Philip Treacy

lovely!

Gaga goes Treacy

Love it! Just got the latest scoop on the newest millinery intern- none other than Ms. Gaga herself! According to the Huffington Post and Shiny Style Lady Gaga is interested in making her own fantastic headwear and learning from the master (and my old mentor) Philip Treacy. She'll surely get the best education in town but wait till she learns about the hours! The Post says she'll be making coffee but I can report that he likes tea- extra hot. I would love to return for a day to see what happens, and I can't wait to see what they come up with.

Also adore this Philip quote in the Guardian :

At lease she (Lady G) follows the golden rule- keeping the hat on. "You wouldn't take your underwear off at an event would you?" he said. "You miss the whole point if you take it off"

Emilliner says amen.

Waterproof Fascinator- My Day at the Derby

At long last my Derby update! Despite the rainy weather we had a jolly time thanks to good company and a little Kentucky bourbon. As it became clear that the weather wasn't going to cooperate I let go of my visions of the grand feather bedecked sinamay creation and opt for a waterproof fascinator. The blue crinoline burst with roses was the perfect compliment to my yellow poncho and rain boots. Although I didn't see as many cool hats as I had expected, the hat wearing spirit was still alive (somewhere in all that mud) and I have high hopes for next year.

Fashionable hats ahead of the race

Thanks to Jenny Elig for including me in the Star's Sunday article "Fashionable hats ahead of the race"

Here's a little excerpt- hat advice from yours truly :

"Everyone wants to stand out at the Derby. For so many years, it's just been bigger is better," she said. "I think we're seeing more sculptural hats. We're seeing less of the traditional crown and brim. 'I say, if you want to stand out, go for something small.' "

Check out the full article online.

The derby's less than a week away and I'm busy making a few last minute orders (including my own)! Thanks for all of your words of encouragement and support. We'll see you at the races!

Derby's nearly here- Get your Emilliner hat at Luna Boutique!

The races are fast approaching so don't miss out on finding the perfect hat! On the way to the Derby? Find Emilliner's Spring 2010 line at Luna Boutique in Louisville KY. This charming little shop is located in the historic Highlands where you can indulge in a day of shopping or enjoy some fine dining (check out Avalon Restaurant located next to Luna).

Luna owner Mary Beth O'Bryan offers a lovely and vibrant selection of gifts and ladies accessories. Not only does she have an eye for fine millinery, she carries unique and locally made jewelry.

If you're in town check out Luna Boutique and Emilliners's hats:

1310 Bardstown Rd

Louisville KY 40204

502.454.7620

Emilliner + Snips in the Star

The sun's out, the weather's warm and hats are in the newspaper! Check out today's Indianapolis Star to read a article about Emilliner's exhibit at Snips. Big thanks to the Star, Snips, Anthony and Kevin for the support!

butterfly cover

The March 29, 2010 style issue of The New Yorker pays hommage to the late Alexander McQueen featuring the cloud of red butterflies from the Fall '08 collection (made by Philip Treacy). What a lovely way to remember.

Caberet Lingerie

Emilliner is happy to participate in this week's Midwest Fashion Week. Stylist Nikki Sutton (Nikki Sutton Style) and designer Catherine Fritsch (Sweet Revenge Lingerie) have joined forces with Emilliner to create a beautiful boudoir inspired show. Fun, feminine, the melange of hats, local design, vintage pieces, and historical costume pieces is sure to inspire. Followed by IndyFringe's production of Jamaica, Farewell.

Event schedule:

• 6:30pm Reception — complimentary hors d'oeuvres and champagne
• 7:00pm Runway show prior to play
• 8:00pm Jamaica, Farewell — the true story of Debra Ehrhardt's escape from revolution-torn Jamaica in the l970s to realize her lifelong dream of living in America. Saucy, sexy and daring! www.jamaicafarewelltheplay.com

Etsy Spotlight: MadameVu

So you all know by now how much I love felt. Especially when its used in a new and interesting way. I adore this etsy seller's fresh take on my favorite material. On this grey day MadameVu's vibrant colors and graphic textures are certainly bringing me some cheer. Her intricate felt earrings are reminiscent of beach balls or chinese lanterns hanging in the trees on a summer evening. They certainly have put me in the mood for some sunshine and fun. Be sure to check out her etsy store for more felt and fabric goodies. Enjoy!

Just plain sad.

I haven't been in the blogging mood as of late. The winter blues have hit hard and I've been procrastinating on this next post. I'm just plain sad. One of my favorite designers, Alexander McQueen has passed away. His fashion was always fresh and he knew how to use a hat to complete a look. During my study abroad in college I was first introduced to McQueen through a fabulous photo by David LaChapelle . In it Alexander poses with his friend and supporter Isabella Blow. I can't believe it, but they are now both gone.

“I’m sad for him,” said the milliner Philip Treacy, a friend of McQueen’s for the last 20 years. “Creativity is a very fragile thing, and Lee was very fragile. He was a fragile person with a front of whatever you want to call it. It’s not easy being Mr. McQueen. We’re all human. His mum had just died. And his mum was a great supporter of his talent. I don’t really know what happened.”

I was fortunate enough to work at Philip Treacy's on the hats for McQueen's Fall '08 line. I will cherish my memories of the hats and his work.

lovely photos

Saturday was fun with the ladies from Love, Lingerie, Life! Connecting with such talented locals is truly inspiring. I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely photographer Stacy Able, who captured some great shots of the day.

Stacy does many styles of photography and I'm a fan of her retro/pinup work. Gotta love the hat!

It takes a talented lady to get great pet portraits and her dog photos will make your heart melt!

Thanks again to Stacy, Catherine, the models and the rest of the talented ladies at the show!

New Hat: Camellia Cocktail

A winter keeps dragging on, I've been hard at work gearing up for the Kentucky Derby and various spring fashion events. It will be lovely before you know it, so stay warm and hang on! Here is a little spring inspiration- Emilliner's new camellia cocktail hat. A graphic flower in a swirl of crinoline tops a jaunty black perch. Enjoy!

Cc.Elaine

Emilliner is honored to have been included in a fantastic photo shoot for local bridal designer Cc Elaine. Photographer Polina Osherov and stylist Nikki Sutton create a sumptuous scene at the Madame Walker Theater with Cc's amazing dresses.

Cc's mission is to provide all brides with high-fashion luxury gowns, specifically sizes 12-32. Her new line Femme Luxe is shown here paired with Emilliner designs. How lovely!

Etsy Spotlight: Mary, Not Martha

Today's featured etsy seller is a treasure trove of millinery goodies. Mary, Not Martha offers a wonderful selection of vintage trims, ribbons, leaves and flowers. One of my biggest challenges as a milliner is finding quality supplies. I either have to spend a fortune in sourcing fine materials from Europe or become creative in adapting non-traditional materials. An easy and fun solution is to go vintage. I love using old millinery trim in new ways, adding a touch of classic to modern shapes. Vintage supplies are great to use but are also important tools in maintaining the art of production. See how the trims are made and try to reproduce them. Mary, Not Martha has some lovely examples.

I am especially enchanted by the selection of vintage leaves and flowers. The prices are extremely reasonable. If you're looking for something special for your next millinery/craft project visit her etsy store!

support our local crafters!

Two things near and dear to my heart: crafting and Irvington.

INDIEana Handicraft Exchange folks Amanda and Neil Taflinger are up for a grant to open Homespun, a modern handmade goods store on the east side of Indy. Along with showcasing local arts and crafts, the space would serve as a classroom, studio and meeting place. Homespun's goals: To help revive Indianapolis' east side, serve as a hub of Indiana's artisan community, to offer low-cost arts education to our community, and help working artists support themselves. Please show your support and vote! (once a day!!! ends Feb. 28th)