The Headmistress will see you now...

Lets begin with a belated birthday boogie from our favourite hound in honour of Queen Michelle's birthday yesterday. Yaay. We had tea and cakes and admired the gifts from Prince B. Damm fine work this year fella. Those were some wonderful gifts.

Talking of wonderful, let's talk a little now about some delightful hats from Samantha Cousins who launched The Headmistress label in 2012...

 The first hat she ever created was an Easter Bonnet for a school assembly; she was about 4 years old. That's an early beginner for sure.

Later she went onto study Costume design for film and television where, she was taught the traditional methods of millinery and after graduating was taught by Rose Cory, the royal milliner. Having made a successful career in film and television Samantha has taken her knowledge of period costume and fabric and combined this with her passion for millinery to create a beautiful and unique collection.

Inspired by vintage fashion, she takes elements from different periods, styles and objects, which she then combines with a cutting edge twist.  She is always on the hunt for interesting vintage fabrics, trimmings and jewellery and loves to rummage around flea markets & antique shops. When something catches her eye an idea often captures her imagination and a new design will spring into life.  Her work evokes the nostalgia of childhood memories, conjuring up playfulness of the young imagination.   Her new collection yet again reflects these feelings, using metallic leathers to create sculptural origami and kaleidoscopes of colour.

Each piece is a one-off and lovingly handmade to perfection in her London studio.  Her designs can be custom made to match any outfit and created to be suitable for any special occasion.

Queen Marie