a millinery course at central saint martins.
Engaging in practical creative workshops has always been a passion of mine, and I recently had the opportunity to explore the art of millinery at Central Saint Martins in London. The Millinery Workshop Short Course, expertly led by the talented milliner Judy Bentinck, offered a unique experience that combined technique, creativity, and a deep appreciation for hat-making.
Central Saint Martins College (part of University of the Arts London) is renowned in the fashion industry for its innovative approach and has produced some of the most influential designers of our time, making it an honour to experience its prestigious environment as a short course student.
Central Saint Martins College in Granary Square, London.
Fashion department at Central Saint Martins College.
Throughout this millinery short course, I discovered the intricacies of crafting two distinct hats: one made from sinamay and the other from felt. Working with sinamay, a beautifully textured natural straw fabric made from abaca fibers, allowed me to experiment with form and structure. The process of shaping and manipulating the sinamay over a hat block was both challenging and rewarding, resulting in a stylish piece that I am incredibly proud of.
Me looking very happy after blocking my sinamay hat brim.
A cupboard full of hat blocks at Central Saint Martins.
The felt hat, on the other hand, presented a different set of opportunities. Its versatility and warmth opened the door for a variety of designs and I was particularly drawn to a vintage pillbox style of hat. I enjoyed learning how to work with this fabric's unique properties, ultimately creating a striking hat that complements my personal style.
Front view of sinamay hat by Nicki Miles.
Back view of sinamay hat by Nicki Miles.
As someone who has always adored hats (I own far too many already), the chance to learn from an experienced professional like Judy Bentinck was invaluable. She provided insightful guidance and encouragement throughout the process, making it easy for us to flourish as budding milliners, even for complete beginners like me. Together, we explored various techniques, from blocking to embellishing, which only deepened my love for this craft.
Back view of felt pillbox style hat (without detachable veil) by Nicki Miles
Side view of felt pillbox style hat (with detachable veil) by Nicki Miles
The workshop at Central Saint Martins not only honed my sewing and millinery skills but also reaffirmed my commitment and passion of exploring different creative outlets. It was a fulfilling experience to immerse myself in the world of millinery, and I left with two hats that will forever remind me of this incredible experience.
If you're considering diving into the art of hat-making, I wholeheartedly recommend the Millinery Workshop Short Course at Central Saint Martins. It is a fantastic opportunity to expand your creative repertoire and bring your ideas to life. No matter your skill level, this course welcomes all, providing a nurturing environment to unleash your passion for hats.
Disclaimer: I was able to do this course for free due to a personal association with the University, but I was not asked to recommend, review, or advertise the course. I wanted to write about my experience as I enjoyed the course and love to share my creative pursuits.