holly_barker_millinery

In The Studio

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 08:14:07 GMT

The art of creating custom-made headpieces.

A message from Holly.

Today, in the twenty first century, we live hurried lives. We barely have time to sit down — and when we do, we can’t help but fill those few seconds with likes and shares and buys and downloads... But, a s a Milliner, I need to slow myself right down and abide by a very careful and precise process. One which, has been followed by Milliners around the world for centuries.

Quality millinery takes time, commitment, and craft.

A very important part of my work, and one which I adore, is personally meeting each of my clients. A face-to-face appointment helps me understand the style and personality of the bride or racegoer, and have a very clear idea of what she wants.

I also like to reassure each one of them that everything that comes out of my studio is a one-of-a-kind headpiece that will be completely custom-made to match their vision. I so love these appointments.

We sit down and look over the photos of her dress, jewellery, shoes, Pinterest boards, and more. Discussing their ideas and the theme of their wedding or event helps me create a clear picture in my mind of the overall look and feel she is after.

It's dress-up time.

Then, it’s dress up time! The client gets to try on headpieces, veils, and capes, as well as explore sample laces, fabrics, crystals, pearls, feathers, and more. At that point, I’m ready to roughly ‘build’ the headpiece so she can see exactly what it will look like, and I draw a provisional sketch.

A labour of love.

Once the sketch is finalised, I begin sourcing and ordering the components of that headpiece. I only use the most exquisite materials to give the headpiece a stunning feel and finish that will photograph beautifully on the day.

I can also incorporate brooches, jewellery and fabrics from Grandma’s wedding dress or other sentimental objects into a headpiece or accessory. This is a wonderful way to keep a precious memento of loved ones and have something to pass onto future generations.

I handstitch every single piece and component using traditional millinery and couture techniques — t here is no compromise in my work. Everything is sewed on; n othing gets glued in this process as this cheapens the product. I prepare any crystals in little bowls so I can see the colours and shapes together and then begin the intricate beading process.

Hours later...

It all depends on the design, but a headpiece can take me anywhere from eight hours to 36+ hours to complete. But, I enjoy every moment! As a perfectionist and having an eye for detail, I will always redo anything I’m not 100% happy with until I’m completely satisfied.

I usually ask brides to come to me a four-to-five months before their wedding. This way, I can ensure their headpiece is ready for their hair trial, and can be adjusted after if necessary. This is also ample time to have the headpiece created and organise other accessories like shoes and jewellery (which I can also assist with), so everything comes in a matching set. For other events such as birthdays, races, and so on, I normally request at least four-to-six weeks' notice.

Some clients like to be kept up-to-date with particularly intricate pieces, so I ‘m always happy to send progress shots along the way to check that they are happy with how it’s going. Once completed, headpieces are boxed up ready to be collected by the client.

To experience the magic of the headpiece-making process yourself, get in touch. Together, we’ll bring your vision to life!

Another Dimension At Faversham House

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 07:19:50 GMT

Do you want to take your headpiece to the next level?

Create a centerpiece for your bridal ensemble that turns heads and captures the true spirit of you and your love story, and look like you just stepped off the cover of Vogue .

A recent photoshoot at Faversham House, York, Perth was the perfect setting to showcase our very Vogue haute couture headpieces. Captured in a stunning colonial-style redbrick mansion amongst five acres of picturesque vineyards and gardens, Faversham House is a charming National Trust establishment and popular WA wedding venue.

Headpieces for brides who don’t settle for ordinary

These haute couture bridal headpieces aren’t for ordinary weddings. They’re about making a statement, showing your extravagant style, and expressing your personality through bold styling, fabrics, and embellishments. It's a chance to wow family and friends with a look they won’t forget in a hurry — and don’t forget about knocking your husband-to-be for six!

With custom-crafted pieces, you can let your imagination run wild.

Make a statement

If you're ready to tell your story with a 'wow' couture headpiece, let's talk .

Real Brides; Annaliese

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 06:40:17 GMT

"I was just in awe.

I had a really, vague conceptual ideal of what I wanted for my wedding. I knew I didn’t want a veil as it isn’t really my style and didn’t go with my dress. I imagined something delicate and crown like, but that was kind of it...

That was why it was so amazing coming Holly Barker Millinery. Holly somehow managed to get this very vague and conceptual idea and make it into a reality that was better than anything I could imagine — t he experience was fantastic!

At at our first meeting, I showed Holly a picture of my dress and described this unbelievably unspecific idea I had, and she drew the perfect headpiece right there in front of me. I was just in awe.

Over the next weeks, getting the emailed updates was so exciting. When my mum and I went to pick it up, it was the first part of my wedding outfit that was finalised, and it was so special. I could really start to see everything come together!

I am still in awe of the intricate work and beauty of it.

Holly was such a delight to work with, and made the whole experience so special. I just loved the experience and I was beyond happy with what was designed for me. Thanks again for everything, Holly — I really can’t express enough how much I loved my headpiece and what a joy it was working with you!"

— Annaliese

Real Brides; Clodagh

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 06:31:45 GMT

"The headpiece was amazing.

Everyone commented on my headpiece and said it just finished the whole outfit off perfectly. It was delicate and subtle, but sparkled and caught the eye — just what I wanted. The service was impeccable, and I have already recommended Holly Barker Millinery to friends who have weddings coming up! I’ll definitely keep recommending your work to everyone.

Thank you very much."

— Clodagh

Stop Stressing, Start Delegating

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 06:28:21 GMT

Wedding planning is an amazing experience.

Once the engagement is announced, you get to enjoy the magical experience of organising your dream day. If things get stressful (choosing a venue, the dress, a bridal party, food, and the sometimes controversial guest list...) and leave you overwhelmed, delegating is often the answer.

Let us handle it

We can make choosing your bridal accessories stress-free and fun. It's a small part of your day that we can handle for you, so you can focus on other parts of your ceremony and reception planning. That way, you won't risk a snap-decision on your accessories, just to get it off the long wedding to-do list.

At Holly Barker Millinery, we decided brides should have couture and convenience, so we created a limited edition, ready-to-wear bridal headpiece collection, which you can find in our online store . Each ready-to-wear headpiece is created with the same attention to detail as a customised piece. And, it's straight from our website to you in a matter of days.

Delegate your alterations, too

While we can't help with venue hire or flower arrangements, we know headwear, and can alter your chosen headpiece (even if you got it somewhere else). If you’ve already bought a bridal headpiece and decided it is not what you want, send it our way.

Holly has lots of experience making alterations on wedding dresses, headpieces, shoes, and more. We can add a different element or adapt an accessory to suit your style. To find out more, get in touch!

Choosing Your Ready-Made Piece

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 06:03:35 GMT

There are now alternatives to a made-to-order headpiece, without sacrificing your style or individuality.

One of our one-off ready to wear couture headpieces will fit the bill. In our online store, y ou can find a style to suit whatever your version of the fairytale wedding is, without waiting.

We've all heard the stories...

We have all heard the stories (and seen the Pinterest accounts) of unfortunate brides who order their dream dress or bridal accessories online, only to find the product does not match the description. Some brides end up ordering two or three headpieces trying to find a bargain. You may get lucky, you probably won’t.

The magic of your special day deserves to be matched with the luxurious touch of a one-off bridal headpiece. Here a few of tips to achieving your dream look on your journey to wedded bliss.

Do some research

This will help you understand what a one-off ready made bridal headpiece costs. Once you understand the ballpark figure, you are on your way to understanding what to look for in a headpiece, and when a cheaper price should raise alarm bells. Cheap bridal headpieces are usually priced that way for a reason. Don’t let yourself down by trying to save on a bridal accessory, when you have already invested so much (time and money) in your dress, the venue, the bridal party and one hundred other details for the big occasion.

Know what to look for

With so many decisions to make to pull a wedding together, it can be easy to make a quick choice on a bridal headpiece that you regret later. Be aware of cheap imitations.

Match the style of your headpiece to your dress, your preferred hairstyle, the wedding styling and the bridal party. If it doesn’t look the part, you’ll regret it every time you look at your wedding photos — a nd they last forever!

It is also important to have an eye for whether your bridal headpiece is well made. There are two telltale signs of a headpiece that will let your wedding down:

If it isn’t completely handmade, it is unlikely to be good quality and won’t last (all Holly Barker headpieces are handmade, no machines in sight).
Handmade, couture headpieces will have delicate beads and crystals intricately stitched on, not glued! There should not be any glue or threads hanging off the lace or beads.

Stand out

The spotlight should be firmly on you on your wedding day. A stunning one-of-a-kind headpiece will keep your (soon to be) husband and your guests spellbound as you walk down the aisle. If you make the investment into a ready-made one-off bridal headpiece, it is worth making the effort to preserve it properly.

Don’t make a quick decision you’ll regret — c hoose a gorgeous one-of-a-kind headpiece from the Holly Barker collection, and be a showstopper on your big day.

Real Brides; Nicole

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 05:45:52 GMT

"I felt so special on my wedding day.

Holly was an absolute star to deal with in the lead up to our wedding. Out of all of the people that I dealt with, I have to say that the service I received from Holly Barker Millinery (and the care and attention to detail with my headpiece and veil) was the most outstanding.

Holly were so supportive, really listened to what I was after and made sure I was 100% happy.

I felt so special on my wedding day and loved wearing my headpiece and my veil. Thanks again Holly, I will definitely recommend you to all my friends!"

— Nicole

Custom Headpieces Aren't Just For Brides

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 05:41:15 GMT

Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind designer headpiece.

It isn’t just brides to be who can experience a custom headpiece from Holly Barker Millinery! If you love to show off your style, the Spring Racing season, Christmas and New Year events, or special anniversary’s are the perfect excuses to wear a unique headpiece that will turn heads and get everyone talking for all the right reasons.

Off and racing

If you want to put your best foot forward for “fashions on the field”, we can help you choose a custom headpiece that will stand out from the crowd and complement your racing outfit. Imagine strutting your stuff on the stage, your friend’s cheer you on as you take out best dressed, and then celebrate with you long into the night! Make a statement with custom headpieces like:

The “Aria” headpiece featuring black and antique gold raw silk geometric features. The shapes of this exquisite headpiece and its base are teamed with jet black Swarovski ® crystals to add a subtle shimmer to your racewear outfit.
The “Paris Pink” headpiece, which gives a nod to racing fashion but updates the traditional veil look.
The popular boater style of the yellow “Sunny” headpiece is edged in a crisp white raw silk trim. You’ll have everyone commenting on your elegance and sense of racewear fashion fun.
The feminine “Cherry” headpiece. Perfect for the racing dress circle, this black straw button headpiece with a cream Paris straw swirl is finished with a delicate cream and pink cherry blossom feature.

Choose the right custom headpiece

Choose the right custom headpiece and you can make it work with different outfits, so it can do the duty as the centerpiece for your Melbourne Cup and Perth Cup fashion statements, Christmas and New Years, and more.

We can work together to choose a custom headpiece to suit your outfit. You’ll have heads turning! Make a new years’ resolution to follow your fashion dreams and create a stir with a custom headpiece like:

The “Very Blackberry” headpiece. This stunning crown is hand-wired with lustrous Swarovski ® pearls in a special edition ‘blackberry’ colour. A modern, glamourous and elegant choice.
If you’re a fan of Vintage French veiling, the “Bronwyn” is perfect for you. This delicate veiling is finished with three bronze flowers on either side. This headpiece clips in easily and can be adapted no matter how you decide to wear your hair on the day.
For elegant simplicity, you can’t go past the “Vintage French” trim black headpiece. A modern statement with a hint of 1920’s elegance, wear it across the forehead or over the eyes to really dazzle that Christmas celebration.

Make it special

We love helping our clients choose headpieces to match their outfits and personalities. Having a custom headpiece is often the first time many women have worn a headpiece, and the first time they have had something that is truly one of a kind. So go ahead and treat yourself — you deserve it.

Email Holly today to chat about a custom headpiece for your special event. Let’s work together to choose something amazing.

Real Brides; Angelina

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 13:52:47 GMT

"Holly took the time to get to know me.

Thank you so much to Holly Barker Millinery for my bridal hairpiece. Holly took the time to get to know me and create something magical for me on my wedding day. I absolutely love it, and every one of my guest commented how amazing my headpiece was (yep, even the boys complimented on my 'hair thingy', as they called it).

One of my friends said my headpiece is very "Sarah Jessica Parker", and very Hollywood!

Not only did Holly listen to what I wanted, she somehow has a natural ability to understand people’s individual style and what they are comfortable wearing. Holly can create masterpieces of perfection to highlight each person's unique personalities.

I have recommended Holly Barker Millinery to everyone who has asked me about headpieces. Holly, thank you for making me feel so special on my wedding day, it certainly was the finishing touch to my Bridal Couture."

— Angelina