Wonderful stitching in hues of pink and purple on this plum felt fedora by American milliner Conney Borda
Sparkling disco beret with black crin double bow by Australian milliner Wendy Scully
Reproduction coals scuttle bonnet in black moire taffeta by British costume milliner Jane Bedden
Beautiful draped, rolled and soaring brim on this yellow hat in vintage straw by Australian milliner Jill Humphries
The audience winner in the 2021Netherlands Hat Association competition by Dutch milliner Koos van de Wal.
Headpiece of the amazing handmade velvet pansies by British milliner Anne Tomlin
Punchy green patterned buntal cap with navy visor by New Zealand milliner Maree Tong
Woven saucer in vibrant metallic yarn by Australian milliner Belinda Osborne
Amazing texture on this black veiled halo headpiece by American milliner Laura Del Villaggio
Masterful mix of subtle autumnal hues and textures in this design by Dutch milliner Wies Mauduit
Perfect pattern matching on this lime plaid felt cloche by Belgian brand Hats And More
Cream parasisal high-crowned hat with exquisite ombre brim by Australian milliner Stephanie Spencer
Indigo straw bandeau with tweed sea urchin-like flowers by Australian milliner Wendy Diggles
Such a smart black and white tweed cap by American brand Kokin New York
Striking headpiece of overlapping satin feathers by Italian milliner Francesco Ballestrazzi
After her marriage on Tuesday, Mako and her new husband Kei Komuro attended a press conference. The lack of wedding rites and celebration and the impromptu hug from Princess Kako as Mako left her parent’s home was hearbreaking (as we the release of an Akishino family photo taken over the summer). This article in the New York Times describes the situation well. I’m sure you all join me in wishing Mako and Kei happiness and peace as they start their marriage and Mako embarks on a new life.
Images from social media as indicated
Royal Hats 
If you look closely, you’ll see a textured black pillbox on Princess Hisako worn on October 28 to the memorial service for Kabuki actor Sakata Tōjūrō IV
I’ve been feeling bad for Mako, too! What a sad way to start her marriage. I’m joining in the wishes for their peace and happiness.
And back to our bailiwick: Princess Beatrix is always a welcome sight, and how pretty she looks in her blue hat. “Indian summer” is a perfect name for Wies’s new creation. I’m imagining this one on Stéphanie of Luxembourg. And what stunning use of the metallic yarn in Belinda Osborne’s percher.
A question about the “farewell visit” of Princess Mako to her grandparents — is this a farewell visit because due to the pandemic and possible travel restrictions and the fact that she will be moving to New York, she may not get back to Japan to see them again in their lifetimes, or is this a protocol thing that now that she has left the imperial family, she would not be permitted to visit them again? Just curious.
Princesses who marry and leave the Imperial royal family continue relationships and interaction with their royal relatives, albeit in private. I’ve understood “farewell” here in terms of her royal role, which has now ended, and in terms of geography, as it has been announced that Kei and Mako will live in New York.
That Francesco Ballestrazzi headpiece is just stunning. He has a solo exhibition in The Museu da Chapelaria in Portugal right now and how I wish I could go!
Thank you for featuring my ‘Indian Summer’ cocktail hat.
I wish Mako and Kei much happiness and a good life on their own terms.
Mikasa and Takamado princesses attended memorial ceremony for the 5th anniversary of Prince Mikasa’s death at Toshimagaoka Cemetery in Tokyo on Wednesday, all in black silk covered bumper hats.
Heartbreaking is the right word. And Princess Kako must wonder what the future holds for her. I hope Mako gets an expedited passport and gets the heck out of Japan.
I’ve been reading about Mako and Kei and find it so heartbreaking all the stress these two are under. I wish them peace and much happiness in their married life.