The British brands and milliners getting a-head of the game
Nothing completes an outfit quite like a good hat. The question is, where do you find one? Look no further than these talented British hat brands, from established legends to new trailblazers. No doubt all perfect for the upcoming social season…
The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide
Beautiful British Hat Brands To Discover Now
Stephen Jones
With a career spanning over 40 years, Stephen Jones OBE is one of the leading British milliners in the industry. Known for designing hats for world-renowned fashion houses (including Dior, Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier) as well as major celebrities like Rhianna, Lady Gaga, the Spice Girls and much of the British royal family. Look to Stephen for sculptural and playful designs with bags of character (and show-stopping appeal).
EXPLORE: stephenjonesmillinery.com
Rachel Trevor-Morgan
Another legend in the British millinery scene, Rachel Trevor-Morgan has been designing hats for more than 30 years – making it her mission to create the perfect hat or headpiece for whoever needs it. The designer, who still works from her atelier in London St James’s, is renowned for her attention to detail, handwork and glamorously feminine designs.
EXPLORE: racheltrevormorgan.com
John Boyd Hats
Set up in 1945 by its eponymous founder, John Boyd Hats is one of London’s most respected hat brands. Milliner to multiple generations of British royals, including Diana, Princess Anne and Kate Middleton, the hat shop is now run by owner and creative director Sarah Marshall (formerly Mr Boyd’s apprentice and manager). These are some of the most stylish hats you’ll find in London, made using the highest quality straws, sinamay, silk and feathers.
EXPLORE: johnboydhats.co.uk
Lock & Co.
The first Lock & Co. hat shop was established in 1676, making it the oldest in the world. The brand has since welcomed quite the client list, from Admiral Lord Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill to Oscar Wilde and Charlie Chaplin. These days, Lock & Co. offers three permanent collections: women’s ready-to-wear, men’s core classics and Lock Couture (created by Head Designer, Awon Golding).
EXPLORE: lockhatters.com
Christy’s Hats
Christy’s, known for its fantastic quality and craftsmanship, marks 250 years since its founding in 2023. Over the years, the brand has made its mark as a milliner for all occasions, from police helmets and film props to Royal Ascot and countryside parties. Christy’s even made caps for the notorious Peaky Blinders gang, as well as a number of hats for the Indiana Jones franchise. The brand continues to make its hats – which span from top hats to caps and fedoras –using traditional methods in its factory in Oxfordshire.
EXPLORE: christys-hats.com
Awon Golding
If you want your headwear to be as fun as you are, your best bet is Awon Golding. The British-Indian designer was born and raised in Hong Kong (where she was successful fashion writer and magazine editor), and now works as a milliner in her London studio where she hand-makes all of her hats. Some famous names that have worn Awon Golding designs include Priyanka Chopra, Lady Gaga and Meghan Markle.
EXPLORE: awongolding.com
Vivien Sheriff
Contemporary luxury and English ideals meet in the work of Vivien Sheriff, who painstakingly crafts each of her hats by hand in her Wiltshire studio (providing plenty of inspiration for work). Many members of the British royal family are fans of the brand, drawn to its timeless designs and flair for theatre.
EXPLORE: viviensheriff.co.uk
Philip Treacy
While not technically British, Irish milliner Philip Treacy has been based in London for most of his career (so we’re happy to claim him as ours). Described by Vogue as ‘perhaps the greatest living milliner’, Treacy is synonymous haute couture headwear. Have a flick through his most recent collections on his website if you want to blow other racegoers out of the water come Royal Ascot.
EXPLORE: philiptreacy.co.uk
Merve Bayindir
This female-led millinery brand, while originating in Turkey, can be found making its hats in London. Merve Bayindir was founded by a mother-daughter team, Yasemin and Meve Bayindir, who wanted to create hats that would fill their wearer with confidence through bold colours and innovative designs. You can catch them regularly featured in Royal Ascot’s annual style guide.
EXPLORE: mervebayindir.com
Emily London
Launched in 2014 by designer Emily Baxendale, hat brand Emily London is known for creating headwear for every occasion – from weddings and races to parties and picnics. Everything is made by hand in the brand’s London studio, using a combination of conventional model millinery and traditional tailoring.
EXPLORE: emily-london.com
Featured image: Rachel Trevor Morgan
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