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In The Studio
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, as 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 — there is no compromise in my work. Everything is sewed on; nothing 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!
GET IN TOUCH
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.
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
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
