Milliner
OFO No: 683103
Other names for Milliner:
- Hat Blocker
- Hat Finisher
- Hat Maker
- Hat Trimmer
- Hatter
What is a Milliner?
- Milliners design and make up hats and headgear for fashion events, social functions, theatre or television productions.
- They can either work in a fashion house or for themselves.
- Self-employed Milliners work for exclusive, usually famous celebrity clients.
- They will custom design and make-to-order for specific occasions like weddings, horse races, movie premieres etc.
- Hats have come back into fashion and are often found on fashion runways.
- Making a hat is a complex procedure.
- Most of the work is done by hand and involves a lot of detailing.
- It takes a lot of experience and hours to become a recognised Milliner.
What does a Milliner do?
- meets with clients or fashion designers to discuss their brief or requirements
- designs, sketches new ideas
- makes up a pattern
- sources specific materials and embellishments for the hat/headgear
- measures, cuts, glues, sews, mouldis, weaves, wires, decorates etc
- constantly researches and keeps up to date with trends and techniques
- repairs hats and headgear
Are you … ?
- extremely creative?
- interested in fashion?
- a person with an eye for detail?
- a person with good eye-hand co-ordination?
- good at sewing?
- precise and accurate?
- patient?
- good with dealing with people?
- a good listener?
How do I become a Milliner?
Most fashion design courses will also include a section on Millinery but sometimes you can find short courses in your area through private colleges and fashion schools. Check your local area for what’s happening in part-time courses in the hat-making arena.
Path 1
- On the job training
Path 2
- Apprenticeship as a Tailor
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Fashion Illustrator or Fashion Model
Is becoming a Milliner the right career choice for me?