The Millinery Lesson

We have all admired the work of milliner Marie O’Reagan, who made hats for Queen Elizabeth II for several decades. Her story is beautifully told in Mike Southon’s short film, “The Millinery Lesson” which also gives an insightful view at the history of millinery over the past century. Watch it here.

Here are some of the more than 200 hats Marie made for Her Majesty, under her own label as well as those of Freddie Fox and Philip Somerville.

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Platinum Queen 1926-2022: Young Queen

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Platinum Queen 1926-2022: Working Princess

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Platinum Queen 1926-2022: Childhood

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Multiples: Queen Elizabeth

In the late 1960s, Queen Elizabeth wore a turquoise silk coat atop a yellow and turquoise floral dress with two very different millinery looks:

Look #1: In Malta in1967 with a yellow straw braid hat with upturned brim.

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Look #2: At the Epsom races in June 1968 in a  blue silk chevron turban.

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Which look do you prefer?!

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Thanks to longtime reader Jimbo for forwarding these photos and suggesting a comparison!

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