Pebelles Boutique

My name is Nicola, a Lancashire-based milliner. After spending 28 years as a primary teacher, I decided to leave the profession and follow my passion and dream of making hats.

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From a very early age, I was creative, and my love of hats stems from wonderful childhood memories. One Christmas morning, I was given a ‘My Fair Lady’ doll, she had a beautiful dress, a large brimmed hat and a lace parasol. This led to me making other hats for my dolls and I remember that I would search my feather pillow at night and pull out the feathers to add on as trims. As a child, I often saw my grandmothers wear hats and women at our local church.

In 2020, I took the opportunity to train with London Hat Designer Katherine Elizabeth at the Business and millinery academy and set up my millinery company Pebelles Boutique.

I work from my home studio and love designing various styles of hats for special occasions. Many Mothers of the Bride come to me with their dresses and shoes so that I can create something special to match and coordinate with their outfits.

In March 2021, I was encouraged by fellow milliners to enter the Mad Hatter’s Society 10th Annual Millinery competition. I created a felt hat in a beautiful orange colour and created a feather trim from tartan fabric.

It was so eye-catching that it was chosen for second place by the Judge Haute Couture designer Lars Nilsson. He likened it to the style of designer John Galliano and commented on the fact that he could see British model Kate Moss wearing it. This was an amazing honour for me and really instilled confidence in my ability and that following my passion was the right thing to do.

In October 2021, I entered the Inspiring Creative Milliners Award and won with my hat design inspired by the Victorian train station at Grange over Sands.

My influence and inspiration for my headwear designs are from nature. I love to add personality to my designs and will add special touches to emulate the client and coordinate beautifully with their outfit and occasion.

Millinery is a heritage craft and I feel passionate about keeping this going. Every piece I create is handstitched, carefully designed and considered for the client with great care and attention to detail. I love to create unique headwear and feel very honoured that I have the skills to do this. Most of the hats I create are made from natural materials like felt, silk, sinamay and straw.

I was recently approached by Suzy Orr from Unique Ladies and Susan Morris of Dynamic Neuro Physiotherapy, asking could I create a hat to help a Mother of the Bride who had recently had brain surgery. It was a fantastic make and it was wonderful to see the beautiful memories that were created at the wedding and how delighted she was, wearing a hat I had designed specifically for her.

N 07772 876482

Pebelles Boutique I Pebellesboutique D www.pebellesboutique.co.uk E pebellesboutique@gmail.com