Events This Summer!

This Summer Sara will be supporting & taking part in the following events!

For further information about all of the events please contact Sara: info@saragadd.co.uk

 

Look forward to seeing you there!

 

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Friday 25th April - Austin Friars & St Monica's School Fashion Show

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Thursday 1st May - High Tea & Fashion with Genevieve, The Heather Glen

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Sunday11th May - In aid of Cash For Kids, The Garden of Eden Wedding Exhibition, over 30 exhibitors, café on the day & BEAUTIFUL location!

 Only £2 per ticket & all proceeds go to the charity!
https://www.facebook.com/events/244474222406007/?context=create&source=49

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Thursday 4th June - The Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland event,

An Evening of Music, Hats and Flowers at Warwick Hall on June 4th.

A beautiful venue & a worthy cause.

 

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Thursday 19th June - Ladies Day Royal Ascot Event

at The Inn On The Lake, Glenridding 

Racing, fashion, hats & good food!

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Hats - Proud to be part of this great British tradition!

Following this weekends wonderful Diamond Jubilee celebrations, at which I must say the Queen looked amazing!  The UK seems to be embracing what it means to be British.  Hats of course are a great British tradition and go hand in hand with the British monarchy.  I thought there were some wonderful creations on display during the weekend and I simply loved the Duchess of Cambridge's vibrant red outfit!

"Jubilation"

With this in mind I am proud to be a part of this traditional British craft!  To work as a hatter is both challenging and rewarding.  It's been a busy month at Sara Gadd Millinery and hats have been flying off their blocks!  I love this time of year when there is many a Hatty occasion and weddings are of course in full swing.


With the Jubilee in mind, last month I took part in the Talent House Dillon Wallwork and Hatalk competition to design a hat inspired by the Diamond Jubilee. 

This was my creation "Jubilation" which was inspired by the UK flag.
Although the hat didn't win, I was thrilled to see "Jubilation" was well received and constantly remained in the top 15 throughout the voting period!  Thank you for your support and kind comments!

Swirling Rose Picture Hat

Bias Rose Saucer Headdress

Sara Gadd Millinery has been out and about and recently during a beautiful weekend, when the sun was shining gloriously, Sara travelled to Whitehaven, the pretty little port town on the west coast of Cumbria.  Here she teamed up with Anita Collow Photographer and Laura Wilkins MUA for an out door photo shoot.  Having met a couple of months earlier at a wedding fair in Carlisle, it was suggested the three meet for a collaborative shoot and here are a few of the results!

Fabulous 50 Quill Hat

Vintage Brooch Headdress

This weekend Sara will be visiting a local garden festival with the view to attending next year and over the coming weeks its busy with commissions, workshops and the forth coming Gloucester Hat Festival in Gloucester on 13th & 14th July...more info on this to follow! www.hatfestival.co.uk

So bye for now and for all things hatty contact Sara at info@saragadd.co.uk and visit our FaceBook Page! 

www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Gadd-Millinery/115061321540

Head wear: Sara Gadd Millinery www.saragadd.co.uk
MUA: Laura Wilkins www.laura-wilkins.co.uk
Photography: Anita Callows www.anitacallow.com
Models: Greta Kelly & Donna Fox

Style Tips - Choosing a Hat For Ladies Day

Style Tips - Choosing a Hat for Ladies Day

Summer is just around the corner and although the weather hasn’t been to good so far this year, seasonal events and occasion are none the less getting into full swing! With ladies day events throughout the season and Royal Ascot fast approaching, in this diamond Jubilee year, it’s the perfect excuse to make an extra special effort with your headwear!

To help you choose the perfect hat or headpiece that will finish your look with style, here are some helpful tips to and ideas to consider!

• When choosing your outfit remember to dress for a formal day time occasion and not an evening party.
• Full hats and larger headpieces are perfect for race meetings whilst fascinators too can look wonderful worn to a wedding.
• Try on as many different styles of hats as you can, this will help you find the right hat shape for you.
• A hat should compliment the wearer not over power the look, the right hat should accentuate your features making you feel confident and happy to stand out from the crowd!
• Detailed outfits work well with simple shapes and styles, try teaming a floral dress with a simple yet striking floral headdress. A plainer, less detailed outfit can take a more elaborate hat.
• For classic timeless style, team a smart suit with a sharp elegant hat.
• Add a twist to your look by choosing a contrasting coloured hat or choose a complimenting colour that draws upon details within the style as the trim.
• When wearing a hat, exaggerate the eyes wearing slightly more eye make up than usual.
• Remember you should wear your hat, your hat should not wear you! It’s all about balance and complimenting your overall look.
Hats provide the finishing touch to your outfit, wear yours with style!
And finally …. Ladies day is the perfect excuse to get dressed up in your finery and to enjoy with family and friends!

For further advice and choices of headwear for your summer event, race meeting or wedding visit www.saragadd.co.uk

Happy hat hunting!

Festive Accessories, Fascinators, Hats and Bridal Headwear

Festive Accessories, Fascinators, Hats and Bridal Headwear....occasion hats are not just for the brighter months and we've got some beautiful creations in the studio at the moment. 



Mixed Feather Fascinator - Photography Pink Tulip
Model Jeni Banks



I'm so excited about the launch of my sparkling new website, lovingly designed by Jordan at Symi Art.  Please do take the time to have a look http://www.saragadd.co.uk/ and pass on the details to anyone in need of something for their head!

It's been a busy year all round and the last few weeks I've been out and about at events such as Bridal Gathering in Newcastle, Nostalgia Meets Design in Penrith and local Christmas Fairs around Cumbria.  Spreading the Hattie Happenings is always fun and it's great to meet other creative people along the way!

Silk Neck Tie

There are some great accessories in stock at the moment including lovely little hanging heart/pin cushions, hand made in a combination of luscious interior fabrics.

Or beautiful silk, felt and leather neck ties, perfect for your festive outfit!





Leather & Felt Corsage/Fascinator



How about a leather and felt corsage/fascinator to brighten up a coat or cushion or to be pinned into your hair?



And don't forget fabulous felt hats for colder days and Winter Weddings!



Fleur Crystal Combs Set



If you fancy trying your hand at making a fascinator we are still running workshops during weekends/week days through our 2012, including Hat Tricks, Fabulous Fascinators and Creative Corsages. 

Or how about a workshop gift voucher for a unique gift idea?

For further details please contact Sara at info@saragadd.co.uk.

Happy Hatting!

Sara x

A Head For The Hat Season

It's a busy time of year for milliners, the wedding season's in full swing, garden parties are taking hold, race meetings galor and the one and only Royal Ascot just around the corner!

Here at Sara Gadd Millinery it's no exception and we are in a creative frenzie every day!

In addition to creating headwear, Sara has been spreading the 'hatty word' appearing as guest speaker for many local groups...it's been a busy season!  It's been great fun meeting lots of new faces, handing our hat advice, oh and sampling many a wonderful cake!

Last month Sara Gadd Millinery teamed up with Pink Tulip Photography in a wonderful vintage bridal boutique photoshoot.

Make up featured by Bridget Foster and our bequtiful models were Jeni Banks of Mayfifteen and Michelle Serrechia.

Here are a few images, they will also be featuring on the updated website soon!

Michelle Serrechia

Warwick Hall was our stunning venue for the shoot and we were so lucky with beautiful weather!

A collection of my family vintage pieces helped with styling the shoot which also included this wonderful vintage bike!

The shoots really created excellent results and I look forward to working with Pink Tulip again in the future.

There are several up coming events involving

Sara Gadd Millinery:

* Hat Tricks Workshop at Highem Hall, Cockermouth

24th - 26th June.

*1st July - 4th July Garden Festival at Warwick Hall.

There will be stalls and events through out the day, email for details info@saragadd.co.uk

*New coming soon...

'Hats in Action' testimonial web page.  Have you been a Sara Gadd Millinery lady? 

Like to feature?  Just email an image of you wearing your creation to Sara, we'd love to see you on there!

Top Hat Tip: 

Ladies don't leave you hat to the last minute, is the important finishing touch to your outfit so time, planning and carefull consideration is needed!  Why not visit us or email for details!

Nichola Wright Photography

Thinking Ahead ...

...to warmer, sunnier occasions when one might need a hat or some kind of heargear!

I'm currently working on the new bridal collection from Sara Gadd Millinery, which features hand made silk flowers, pearls, lace and feathers. 

Dreaming up new ideas I usually look to both contemporary and historical headwear, flicking through magazines and online images for inspiration, this helps to get ideas flowing. I rummage through boxes of feathers, fabrics beads; generally make a mess, and the ideas start to come!



This Summer I have several dates for new workshop 'Hat Tricks' - If you have old hats gathering dust at home this could be just the thing for you!
Come and join us on this exciting new workshop. Bring along one or more used, special occasion hat with you & learn how to transform it into a Fabulous new Fascinator or headdress!

Date: Saturday, 22 May 2010, Place: Tullie House Museum, Carlisle, Cumbria, Time: 10:00 - 16:00
Please contact Tullie House Museum http://romans.tulliehouse.co.uk/index.aspx for further information and booking details.


Date: Sunday, 11 July 2010, Place: The Brewery Arts Centre, Kenday, Cumbria, Time: 10:00 - 16:00
Please contact The Brewery Arts Centre http://www.breweryarts.co.uk/index.cfm for further information and booking details.

This workshop along with our 'Hattie Hen Parties' and Fascinator Fun workshops, also runs on various dates throughout spring/summer at the Sara Gadd Millinery stucio in Corby Hill.  Maximum of 6 people.
Please email for details saragadd@tiscali.co.uk and check out the link below.

Thank you to Rob Summers Photography for these wonderful images.  Please click on the link below and visit his blog to see more images from our photoshoot back in December 2009. http://robsummersphotography.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-met-up-with-sara-gadd-recently-as.html

Vintage Hats & Fashion 1979 into 1980

The year is 1979, December 1979, the location Chicago USA.

Putting myself in Mum's shoes this time 30 years ago, she was living high up in Lake Point Tower, Chicago, a new Mum; I had just been born on 25th December 1979.

Why am I doing this?

Back in 2010, (slightly less glamorously), I have been attempting to clear out the chaos that is the junk cupboard!

I've stumbled across some vintage magazines, L'Officiel USA The Magazine of International Fashion, issues October 1979, Holiday Issue 1979 and February 1980.

Ok some may think???!  But for others, myself included, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of fashion 30 years ago!

Here are some of the vintage fashion images from the magazines.

The 'Fresh and sporty Looks from the New York Collections' look positively ancient!

...While other images could almost be from today.

Just look at the shoulders on this jacket !

Hats were still quite a feature in various different styles, mainly small cocktail styles, very elegant and chic.

The influences in todays fashion are clear to see.

Hope you've enjoyed the escapism!

(The cupboard clear out will have to wait for another day!)

Wonder what we'll be wearing in another 30 years time?

New Year, New Hats, New Hen Parties - New you!

At Sara Gadd Millinery I am currently sewing away making new hats, headdresses and fascinators for Spring/Summer 2010. With beautiful hand made silk flowers, frivolous feathers and luxurious silks there's something for everyone!

January...a fresh start, a new out look...time to focus on all the things you've been putting off...time to try new things.

I find being a milliner a rewarding job, getting to meet all kind of new people each week, helping them the find the perfect headwear for their special day.

I often hear people have been searching all over for something special to finish off their outfit. People are looking for an individual unique creation, something a little more chic than the traditional Mother-of-the bride look or high street design.

If that's you then you've found the right place! I can create an original design to compliment your overall look. We welcome you into the studio in Corby Hill where there are hats and fascinators to try during a relaxed, private consultation. Here we discuss your ideas and find a style you are happy with. Alternatively if you are further away, designs can be ordered through the website and arranged over the phone and via email. Visit www.saragadd.co.uk

We also offer ‘Hattie Hen Parties’ for a hen party with a difference from our studio in Corby Hill, Carlisle, Cumbria.  They are suitable for groups of six in the room pictured below.  You can choose colours and styles before hand so you can match your outfits for the big day or the party before.  Why not try something new and alternative?!

We hope to see you soon!

Festive Happenings at Sara Gadd Millinery...Love Christmas is here!

We're getting all festive at Sara Gadd Millinery and....It is here....the week of Love Christmas!

This Wednesday 25th November at The Cecil Street Project in Carlisle, "Love Christmas" a street market with a difference is taking place.

It's the perfect places to get some Christmas goodies and presents, there'll be stores selling many different items from millinery to baby goods, ladies fashions, interior goods, dancing and more.  There'll be refreshments available and you may get lucky and win a prize from the raffle!

Everyone is welcome so please come along and support local businesses.

There are also new items on sale now from my Misi store including Christmas cards and Luxury holly Gift Bows!

There are also lots of hats for winter weddings and festive fascinators, why not take a look at http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/saragadd.html

Winter Warmers

New winter felt hats on the horizon from Sara Gadd Millinery!

As we enter into October, in Carlisle, Cumbria the sun is shining and the sky is a clear blue, just a few fluffy white clouds...this can only mean one thing...winter is on the way!

I love these fresh, clear days and my thought have turned from this summer's frivolous fascinators to warming winter felts that are just perfect for keeping out the cold!

Here are some of the latest winter hat designs now available from Sara Gadd Millinery. The designs can be bought through our Misi on line store at: http://saragadd.misi.me.uk/ or directly from the Corby Hill millinery studio near Carlisle, Cumbria.

Sculpting with Jane Smith

Last week I travelled up to Edinburgh to take part in a Sculpting Masterclass with the wonderful London based Hatter Jane Smith. http://www.janesmithhats.co.uk/index.html http://www.hatwalk.co.uk/

This was a great workshop - I recommend it to anyone with a back ground in millinery, it is both challenging and rewarding and at the same time quite relaxing!

As a bonus it could also save you money!!!

Living Windows 2009

Last week shoppers in Carlisle may have thought they were going mad as they were treated to unusual happenings!

With hat trick demonstrations, live mannequins, living statues, and dancing madonnas!!


It was all in aid of 'Living Windows' celebraiting 25 years of The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle City Centre.

Dance Ahead and Sara Gadd Millinery joined forces once again to organise dancers, dances and accessories with a living twist!....



The performers, students from the University of Cumbria, looked stunning and worked hard to achieve the look...thanks so much for your time and energy guys!


...Watch out for more events like this later in the year!


If you would like to be involved with any of our projects visit www.danceahead.co.uk for further details.

'Old Hat' Recycled Hat Exhibition

It's been another busy week....

Saturday 18th Sara took to the stage in The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle and presented 'Hat Tricks' providing some great ideas for ladies night at Carlisle Races. Sara showed ideas for re trimming old hats and creating a fascinator with the trimmings!

'Old Hat' in Newspaper, Flyers & Wire.

On Thursday 16th July 'Old Hat' went on display at High Head Sculpture Valley.

This latest collection of headwear has been inspired by a recent period of work undertaken with Grampus Training and Heritage Limited, a local company who work with students from all over Europe.
Sara has been increasingly interested in the potential of using recycled materials to create exciting new pieces. Sara adopted a simplistic approach to create the designs, drawing upon personal skills and problem solving to transform recycled objects into ‘something else’. Each creation has been inspired by the recycled object in its original state with minimal use of additional materials. The potential for recycled fashion is endless!

Any body wishing to try their hand at creating something from nothing can enrol on a new ‘Fashion Junkie Workshop’. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own exciting creations from recyclables! Or if you’d like a more traditional approach you can try Retrimming an old hat at an ‘Old Hat Tricks’ workshop; the next one is Saturday 22nd August 10am – 4pm at The Studio in Corby Hill near Carlisle.

For further details, contact Sara saragadd@tiscali.co.uk for directions to go and see the collection in the flesh visit http://highheadsculpturevalley.co.uk/contact.htm

Hope you enjoy!