Nena Kal Hunter
Today was Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, one of the most anticipated days on the UK's summer social calendar. I had planned to go this year, but for one reason or another didn't get round to ordering my tickets on time and part of me is rather glad I didn't! Today hasn't been the nicest of days, one where an umbrella would get in the way of showing off your fabulousness given the way the rain has been bucketing down. I shouldn't complain though the rain is desperately needed after an unseasonably dry spring- it has been rather strange not having it around. Although the thought of frolicking around in muddy grass in heels sounds far from appealing, somehow I don't think that deterred the revelers.

Ladies Day at Ascot is the place to see and be seen; and aside from racing, is famous for the parade of colourful headgear on display in an attempt to out do the next. Creations range from elegantly demure wisps of netting to the fabulously outrageous; and thanks to a certain 'wedding' the fascinator remains as popular as ever. Speaking of stylish headgear I'm loving the gorgeous cute and whimsical creations by milliner Nena Kal Hunter ...would have been perfect for Ascot. Sumptuous fabrics like velvet and silk in gorgeous jewel-toned palettes are given a touch of playfulness and modern romance with strategically placed embellishments.

The ultra-feminine creations are from the hand of milliner Nena Kalu Ogba. Born and bred in Enugu, Nigeria; Nena has from a very young age always had a passion for designing and all things creative. Initially training as a footwear designer before moving into fashion design, Nena's entry into millinery came about by accident when she designed herself a hat to wear to a friends wedding. On the back of many compliments her creation garnered Nena came away with several orders and has continued crafting her stylish hats and fascinators ever since. What I like about the designs is how simple the base is with the carefully placed fun embellishments like ribbons, bows and feathers adding the interest.

…chic and fabulously girly the kind of hats that make you want to find an event just for the pleasure of wearing one

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Worldwide shipping available
For further information about Nena Kal Hunter millinery visit: www.nenakalhunter.com  

Thembi Mabule
Just emerging from a nice long, and I must say rather eventful, bank holiday weekend given current world events. While watching the pomp and ceremony; and fashions of Friday’s Royal wedding it became apparent that hats, 'the Fascinator' in particular were the real stars of the show, if the continuous streams of tweets and blog posts were anything to go by. The Fascinators were a big hit with the American audiences which surprised me a little as they have been hugely popular in the UK for the last decade, if not more and I assumed that they were a big trend in America too.

Headwear in Africa has long been culturally significant and can denote things like status. More contemporary styles have grown in popularity and speaking as a Southern African I can say no Zimbabwean wedding is complete without a spectacular display of hats and fascinators especially from the immediate families... and who can forget the image back in 1994 of Zinani Mandela who was her father’s escort to his inauguration as president, I clearly remember thinking at the time… what a hat! So with that in mind I went on the hunt for some of Africa’s finest milliners and came across the gorgeously feminine creations of Thembi Mabule. 

Thembi is a milliner based in Pretoria, South Africa and started her career in 2008. Thembi's creations are in demand by a discerning clientele who require a stunning creation when attending some of South Africa’s prestigious events. Naming her company Thembi Mabule; designs are glamorous, elegant, theatrical and flamboyant garnering international press from CNBC to features in an Australian millinery magazine as a representative of the wider African millinery industry. Thembi's creations have also made an appearance on the catwalks of South Africa’s Sanlam Fashion Week. Catering for both men and women all hats are handcrafted with great attention to detail and finish. Thembi also draws private clients from across the continent namely; Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and also internationally.

Fascinators are fun and so pretty; and can pull an outfit together in an instant adding a touch of ladylike glamour and sophistication. Hats can so often be an indicator of personality so why not take the time to design your own with guidance from Thembi.

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For further information visit:  www.thembimabule.co.za   
Exclusive designs are also available in selected boutiques across South Africa
For order enquiries visit:  www.thembimabule.co.za   

Louis Mariette
…Oh to be inside the mind of Louis Mariette, creator of fabulous bespoke hat couture, fascinators and headpieces. Dazzling, bejewelled creations take you on a journey of discovery into the wild and wonderful world of a designer who works to push the boundaries, imagining the unimaginable.

A highly experimental and inquisitive designer, Louis Mariette has an impeccable eye for unique style. His designs are rooted in originality and attention to detail, created to make an entrance. Born in Malawi, with Mauritian origins and growing up in Botswana and Swaziland, Louis’ childhood experiences have had a big impact on his creations, one where he would spend time exploring nature; collecting feathers, semi precious stones, seedpods, cactus flowers, and beads and trimmings from local tribes. Louis’s extravagant designs reflect his fascination with bird feathers and the incredible palette of colours and textures to be found in beetles, butterflies and dragonflies. All this ignited a passion for colour and sparkle; and influence his use of amazing trimmings such as hand-embroidered fabrics, antique embellishments, porcupine quills, feathers and semi-precious stones that are sourced from every corner of the globe.

Creations as flamboyant as the charismatic personality behind them, Louis Mariette became widely known in 2005 after creating the world’s most expensive hat, the woven platinum and diamond, Chapeau d’Amour costing a cool £1.5 million and his vivid imagination has led to such creations as the Princess Neptune hat, selected by Hong Kong Tatler as the best hat of 2008, more recently Louis was seen as a judge on Season 5 of Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model. Louis takes private commissions and has collaborations with fashion designers, celebrities and corporate business.

I must confess to not really being one for wearing hats and can understand when Albertus Swanepoel refers to them as the ‘orphan accessory’ coming in way after jewellery, shoes, bags, belts and even scarves. Millinery is such a niche field but one where Albertus has made his mark with his often whimsical creations including feathered fedoras, bursts of plumage, intricate embellishments, finely detailed patterns, lashing of ribbon and patchwork all exceptionally handcrafted by himself. Albertus Swanepoel has been recognised for bringing a breath of fresh air to the industry States-side, with comparisons to the likes of Philip Treacy in terms of innovation, creativity and vision. 

In addition to handcrafting more than 800 hats a year for his own line, Albertus Swanepoel’s hats have also made him sought after for designer collaborations that have included Carolina Herrera Fall 2008, Steston 2010, and Gap. As I was writing this I was trying to work out what the Carolina Herrera hats reminded me of then it came to me - Robin Hood… I know, I know, but I guess its the shape of the hats and the way they are perched jauntily atop the models head with the rather magnificent roosters plume following behind. 

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To find out more about Albertus Swanepoel and stockists visit: www.albertusswanepoel.com