images by samfairbrother.com
I was put in touch with Milliner Lilly Lewis by Natasha Bailie who buys and sells vintage pieces for online vintage clothing shop www.natashabailie.com
Lilly, 28, is a Milliner with a passion for vintage. Her hats are inspired by styles from the 20’s to the 50’s and wouldn’t look out of place on the set of Bugsy Malone or at a 1920’s speakeasy! The occasional hats and elegant fascinators feature huge feathers and authentic vintage trims.
In her hometown of Manchester Lilly ran a small vintage boutique where lots of her clients went to conventions similar to Goodwood. ‘Hats were something they always struggled with due to vintage sizes being so small and early pieces being so collectable.’ Explains Lilly.
She started making one off pieces and, due to the rise in Burlesque performance, was asked to design a range of burlesque hair pieces for a shop in Manchester’s northern quarter. She still does a range for them as well as for model and burlesque performer Fanny Divine.
‘I use a combination of modern and vintage materials.’ Says Lilly. ‘I try and use British manufactured products whenever possible and make sure all my modern feathers are ethically sourced.’
Having studied Art & Design, pattern drafting and print making she threw herself into her passion by becoming very hands on. Hungry for the skills, she learnt as much as she could by doing alternations and visible mends. She did a range for Topshop in 2009 and worked as an assistant to a lingerie and corsetry designer with whom she’ll be collaborating with this year.
As for how she ended up in Brighton…. she followed her heart! Very mysterious…
If you fancy yourself as a 20’s flapper you can find Lilly’s range on her website www.lillylewis.com , in Hope and Harlequin Brighton, To Be Worn Again Brighton, Dolly Dagger online store, Natasha Baillie Vintage online store and she will be exhibiting at Frock Me! At The Corn Exchange from 28th February.
written by Helen Ruff
