London has a large number of hat shops, each stocking unique pieces which are suited to many different occasions and tastes. It’s quite fitting that such a hat-loving nation as the United Kingdom should have many prestigious milliners in its capital city, with options for women and men in a variety of different styles.
Whether you’re looking for a casual hat or something fancier, this blog will guide you through some of the best places to look for handmade hats in London…
Lock & Co. Hatters
St. James Street
One of London’s finest hatters, Lock & Co. also stocks one of the largest selections of hats in the city. There’s items for both men and women, with a range of sizes and vast number of collections.
Whatever kind of hat you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it here – including a large number of handmade hats by some of the world’s finest designers. With new stock arriving throughout the year, browsing the store is a fantastic way for hat lovers to spend some time while staying in London.
Philip Treacy London
Belgravia
Philip Treacy’s hats are truly iconic. This major figure in hat design and craftsmanship has created pieces for major international and domestic events, carving out a superb reputation for ingenious styles and high-quality materials.
Visitors can drop into the studio between 10am-6pm, Monday-Saturday, but appointments must be made for anyone hoping to explore the hats on offer both before and after these times.
Treacy also offers a carefully curated selection of handmade handbags, providing the perfect accompaniment for your outfit. If you’re attending a formal event at a meeting & conference venue in London, this could be the ideal place to take care of many of your accessories.
John Boyd
Knightsbridge
This milliner is noted primarily for his work with the Royal Family, including Diana, the Princess of Wales. Boyd has been providing delightful creations to everyone from aristocrats to celebrities for decades, and designs hats which are suited to a diverse range of events.
In addition to a bespoke service, there are hats for special collections just in time for the racing season, and also plentiful hats in stock throughout the year, perfect for any special occasion where a hat completes an outfit!
The studio makes a real effort to put each customer at ease, ensuring it’s a great space for finding something unique.
Nigel Rayment
Marble Arch
This popular milliner has created hats for a wide variety of different occasions, ranging from a day at the races to a wedding or christening. Nigel Rayment has also made hats for some particularly high-profile people, including politicians, celebrities and even the Royal Family.
If you feel like joining this great company, be sure to pop into his Marble Arch boutique during your stay at the Montcalm Royal London House. The hats on offer here include over 100 distinctive styles, and have helped to make Nigel an internationally recognised figure in the world of millinery. Fabrics such as silk and tulle are used in inventive new ways,
Gabrielle Djanogly Millinery
Knightsbridge
A popular London milliner with a studio in Knightsbridge, Gabrielle Djanogly designs stunning ready-to-wear hats for many different events. Her collections include fascinators, hats and headpieces in a wide range of colours.
The designer also offers a made-to-measure service at her studio, where visitors can have a hat created to their precise requirements. This is the perfect way to get all the benefits of a stunning new hat whilst also investing in one which is completely original, perfect for your next special event while staying at your hotel such as Montcalm London City.
Laird London
Soho
Based in ever-trendy Soho, Laird London is one of the city’s foremost milliners, with a fantastic selection of handmade hats which range from formal pieces to caps. Unlike many of the additions on our list, Laird is focused on men’s millinery, and uses materials such as tweed to help make a traditional style statement.
Each piece has been lovingly designed with longevity as well as fashion in mind, and the collection includes four sizes as well as the opportunity to order your own bespoke hat. Buying a piece from Laird London would provide the ideal statement piece for a dinner at Finsbury Square restaurants, and ensures a great way to stand out for all the right reasons.
Pip Hackett
Great Western Rd.
Pip Hackett is a major name in the field of millinery, with quirky hats and fascinators which are all handmade in her London studio. Designs frequently draw their inspiration from the natural world, as well as using vintage styles to dazzle at big events.
The designer enjoys playing with texture and colour, ensuring an eclectic range is always available for anyone seeking some creative inspiration! In addition, her styles have become synonymous with the bridal market, providing hats which work perfectly for both the bride and her guests.
For the perfect combination of style and flair, be sure to take a look at her store during your visit in London.
Louise Oliver
Copse Lane
Noted for her wedding hats and designs specifically for Royal Ascot, Louise Oliver also creates matching bags, jewellery and accessories which are perfect for really completing a look.
The milliner offers over 100 different designs in-store, as well as an online delivery service for greater convenience. If you need a handmade hat in a hurry, this is a fantastic option.
Stephen Jones Millinery
Covent Garden
Stepping inside this Covent Garden store is a little like visiting an art gallery. Stephen Jones offers truly beautiful hats, including many which have made their way onto international fashion runways.
In addition to having a great selection of handmade hats in store, Stephen Jones Millinery also provides an exclusive service and commission-only hats. This allows individuals to find a unique hat crafted by one of the big names in British millinery.
