Lauren Martin is an Australian-born milliner who, after training as a milliner, now designs her own vintage-inspired hats from her studio in Bedfordshire. In 2011, she was a milliner on staff at Philip Treacy London- that spring, the atellier was a flurry of activity as the company produced 37 hats for a certain high profile royal wedding. Here are two of those hats she created for the Cambridge’s wedding, described in her own words.
It’s always amazing to hear about hats described by the ones who made them. Lauren’s work is simply incredible- look at the detail and workmanship throughout the evolution of this astounding historical piece:
Photos from social media as indicated
Royal Hats 
Fascinating post! Debo’s hat is wonderful — how is it that she wasn’t photographed at the wedding? I’m not sure I understand the thinking of having a “lot going on” inside the hat besides the fun for the designer and the wearer.
The costume piece is dazzling! Is that for a stage or film production? Interesting to hear about the use of coffee and tea dying.
“Lot going on” I believe refers to structure- my guess is some sort of hair band built through the hollow piece that extends beneath the flowers, allowing the hat to actually sit soundly on the head!
Aha…that makes sense!
I absolutely hated that hat that Beatrice wore – more suited to Ascot than at a royal wedding. Yet, in the fullness of time, I can appreciate the workmanship and details.
Debo’s hat was wonderful! And the cheeky little grin she has while wearing it is just priceless.
Fascinating! behind-the-scenes stories are so interesting. And I will never tire of seeing/ reading about P Beatrice’s justly famous Treacy wedding hat.
Whatever you think about PB’s “toilet seat” hat, the workmanship is absolutely stunning. No visible seams here, unlike some of the Queen’s hats. I’d love to see inside these hats.
It’s a beautiful thing. I keep going back and forth, trying to absorb all the steps.
What artistry! Fascinating article. I’m inclined to agree with James B that Beatrice was the wrong person to weat that hat. The late Dowager Duchess of Devonshire was immediately recognizable. She looked fabulous!
Such amazing craftsmanship. I always thought Beatrice’s hat was a work of art, just not necessarily on her, and not on that day. It’s a real shame, as she obviously wanted to go for a fashion forward look, but was just ill advised. It’s stunning though – and 55 hours!!
And my love of Debo is only more amplified! Doesn’t she look fabulous and what a lovely hat for a lady of great years, so adventurous. I met her (briefly) about 10 years ago when she was doing a book signing. Just wonderful to hear that Mitford drawl. Sigh, I love the Mitfords!
What an amazing story of hat-making! I am so impressed with all the hours that went into making this hat. I saw the Mickey Mouse look of the buckram immediately. What a good lesson to learn (in whatever profession you are in) to know when to shelf it and start over. Thanks for sharing!
Amazing post! Such a remarkable talent–and how interesting to see THAT hat from the crafting point of view. Thank you.