Ellen Christine Millinery

Still September

2012-02-07T23:51:00.000-08:00

Well, let's pretend, shall we? It's Fashion Week, for Spring 2011, and it's the opening night party for The Bard Graduate Center show, Hats: an Anthology by Stephen Jones. It's also the night that Malan Breton is showing at Lincoln Center, runway, and guess who agreed to do the hats? So, we have to be at two places at once. As usual.

The Stephen Jones group will more than understand if I skip out early for the show at Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week. Stephen Jones IS runway in Paris and London, with more and more shows in New York, as well. So we won't be rude, since there's so very many people who want to schmooze with him. Time enough to introduce myself in person, sneak in a quick picture with our God of Hats, and dash to the tents.

Malan Breton is the darling of the media. He is a graduate cum laude from Project Runway, and somehow manages to get the spotlight on himself , produce a runway show, and survive, season after season. Not an easy thing. We've always been honored to participate in his shows, and this will be our third or fourth season with him.

For this Tour de Force, it's "Fantome": always musically oriented, always celeb attended, always press , press and more press. There have been seasons when Alex McCord, sans handsome hub, Simon VanKempen (he sat it out in the audience), walked the runway for Malan. And seasons when ballerinas were the focal point. Or string orchestras. Malan always brings it. With our history together, its not hard to hone in on what he likes for a look. In preparing for FW, for those of you who have never been subjected to this blitz, you make yourself available for spontaneous meeting with the designer, and his stylists. You pray for model headsizes. Hope for materials. Angst for magic extra time to appear before curtain. Did I say "pray", oh, yes, pray.

Backstage, for my second time that day (I had to oversee the delivery of the hats in person), and checking the outfits, sequence, drape, fit. Where's that box? Why are some of the hats missing? where's that box again? Get out of the way for the interns to do their last minute pressing, steaming, accessorizing. And get those hats out on the racks. Each ensemble is hung with care on a rack, with all of the accessories listed per outfit. Each outfit has a dresser, and that person is key. They control getting the model into the next outfit, and keep watch over the accessories. Can you imagine backstage? It's so much fun! Energy, vibe, excitement, and nerves, in the make-up room and beyond. Love being backstage. Backstage is why I do what I do. I woke up one morning and realized it wasn't the boy I missed (it had been a terribly dreadful break-up with a drummer), but the "smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd"! Oh, to find your place in life. It's such an exhilarating moment. Eureka, I'm home, so to speak.

Back to Malan: dressing the models in their outfits, and overseeing the placement of the hats, last minute changes (a certain recording star won't be walking since her limo can't get here in time) . In short, organized chaos.

And then the show. Well, as it happens, Malan manages to get the jump on this season's hottest trend: transparency. How I did hats in the same vein is always a mystery of the gods. But it happens sometime, that you just nail it.

So this is the hat that launched more than a few shoots in editorials, and ideas for other collections. As seen here, in Sandy Ramirez' ingenious beauty shot, in Malan Breton's S/S 2011 runway show.

Back to September 2011

2012-02-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

Seems like a million miles away, last September. Last September the show: "Hats: an Anthology by Stephen Jones" opened at the Bard Graduate Center. Wotta show it is. Still going on through April 15, so if you haven't seen it, please take advantage of having this wondrous installation still here in NYC.

A Prelude.

Much to my surprise, I got a PM on FB from Rod Keenan. Those of us in the industry/metier who are in NYC certainly have come across Rod or his hats at some point. I was luck to be on a panel with a friend of his a while ago, and that, I believe, was our first meeting. the message from Mr. Keenan said something like: I've recommended you for the show (oh, yes, I knew which show he meant), so expect to receive a phone call or an email shortly. From the curator. As it turned out, shortly was enough of a lapse for me to have let it sit on a back burner. But lo and behold, one Saturday morning, as I was in the studio early, and alone, the phone rang. "Hello, Stephen Jones here."

Pause.

WTF, as they say in the street. We all get wacky phone calls, but this one took the cake.

"Hello" again.

"Stephen Jones calling."

Well , with that I just had to say something. And what should come out of my mouth but a typical Ellen-ism: "Get the ef out of here!" No, I'm not kidding. I thought it was one of the wacky stylists I work with kidding me. But no, it was truly Mr. Jones, and he wanted a hat from me for his show. "Only one?" says she, as realistically as ever. "Yes, just one. Difficult, I know, but one that would be totally you."

Well, what a gig. How to dream up just one hat? Oh, the conversation was a tad longer, but the gist was that I would design a few things and send them to Oriole Cullen, the curator. And then we'd see. Because I'm well known for my 1920's pieces, and beadwork, I thought one of the piece would have to be a cloche. And to torture my entire crew, we'd bead it completely in different beads from our archival collection. And the other piece would be one of my feather dusters. Headpieces, that is, plumed, birded, in flight.

As it happened, Mr. Jones himself decided on the beaded cloche, when it was only partially completed. Oriole and Mr. Jones loved the prep work we had done on the cloche, that would be named "La Marianne", and decided to add it half-finished to the show. But, oops, but the time that message reached me, we had completed the beadwork on the rest of the piece. And so, it's covered in every bead I loved from the 1920's, or earlier.

Our concept:

As a modern day "flapper", more like an independent modern young lady, this customer lives well in the future, and has a yen for drama. think of it as a cross between the Great Gatsby, The French Revolution, and Mad Max. Some of the beads are from the early part of the 20th Century, made in Czechoslovakia, as most good glass beads were, and coated with an irridescent finish. Bits of broken jewelry and Swarovski crystals cut a swath across the crown of the headpiece, as a sort of dynamic tiara. Look closely and you will see a dress clip from the 1930's, and bits of neckaces from the 1950's in there , too. We love our found /recycled/repurposed art at Ellen Christine.

Please say hello to our headpiece when you're at the Bard, and say "Thank you" to Stephen Jones and the Victoria and Albert Museum for making it all happen.

The photograph of the lovely Faye Brandt wearing La Marianne was taken by Sandy Ramirez.

Something for The New Year

2012-02-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

Who can remember just when Will from W Magazine asked me to make this hat? This vinyl hat has been part of our collection for ages...since we work on Spring so far in advance. this particular hat, not that you can tell from this beautifully stylized picture, is transparent. Transparency was the lead story for this Spring, so I guess you could say that because of Will and his directives, we were ahead of the game. Way ahead. And what an adventure this little hat has had. It lived at W for a while, and somehow wound up requested by Lady Gaga's stylist for an appearance. The run at W didn't get used, and Gaga didn't wear it, but we did it again for Malan Breton's runway show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Along with the rest of the collection we designed for him, again, transparency was the theme.

Back again in the studio, but only for a visit, because Edward Enninful requested it for another story he was preparing for W . This time, with a nod to Erte, as shot by Nick Knight, the hat finally ran!

And here it is: conceptual, and how incredible is this composition? Edward used it as an idea, and sometimes hats are just that: just an idea. Without imposing itself into the shot, this hat became a halo of light around the model's head. In the photographer's capable hands, a hat made of vinyl became part of an Art piece.

Now, it's once again at W, and we'll see what happens next. Thank you, Will, for the original push, and Edward Enninful for the concept, and Nick Knight for the interpretation.

the Metropolitan Opera Shop

2012-01-07T00:44:00.001-08:00

In October, we went live with the collection we did for The Metropolitan Opera shop , inspired by the season's production of The Enchanted Island. While the costumes of "Enchanted Island" are fantasy, period, lush, exotic, they beg to be worn! Costumes have always appealed to my inner design self, so this would be a difficult task, to design something that could be worn by a "civilian", and yet carry echoes of this magnificent baroque production. Feathers were the solution: use the feather theme that is displayed in Sycorax' hat, in her hair, on her cloak. Add a great common ground with a lush creamy velour felt, and you have our hats. We did a basic cloche, because it's a great shape for many, many faces. With a hand -blocked brim and crown, here in our studio, this cloche assumes many personae. The block itself is from the 1920's, so that it gives a full, oval shape. Oval, as opposed to the round shape found in most hats on the market today. Oval because the head is oval, and rarely round. This is one of my favorite blocks, and it has been in my collection for decades. We have one client who it works for in every hat we design for her, so we fondly call it by her name. But that little tidbit is in-house, I'm afraid. I chose shades of camel and taupe, because Sycoraz goes from a swamp/jungle existence, all grey and monochromatic, to emerge as a Phoenix in glorious browns and golds. Taupe is my preferred "non-couleur", and works from a sophisticated point of view, to a work-a-day frame that pairs with black, khaki, navy, brown, greens and winter whites. The trim on the cloche is a captured exotic animal, like the creatures on The Enchanted Island: a bit of a bird, a petal of silk in leopard, a vintage button in buffalo horn. Not too much, just a hint of the glory that lies within.

For the "Pamela" Biba, we hand-blocked a face-framing shape that would work for Sunday best, or Tuesday on the town, going to luncheon, on a shopping spree. The Biba is so named because of a particularly inventive shop in London from the 1970's, where free-wheeling fashion made it's home. We've loved the spirit of Biba for inspiration, and we do this hat as a classic in all seasons. Wrapped around the sloping crown, is a wonderful vintage velvet ribbon that we have in our archival collection of trims. It's a really rich , deep brown, and works as a foil for the hand-curled pheasant feather. The pheasant feather is prominent in the wardrobe/headwear of Sycorax in this production, so it was a natural choice. Held onto the hat with delicate stitches, the feather seems to want to take flight!

And finally, to round out this capsule collection, a fascinator. After the Royal Wedding in the Spring, America has taken note of this little shape, so often seen at weddings throughout Europe. Our hand-blocked teardrop shape is one of our most popular , and the trim is a coalition of vintage bits and bobs from our archives. With the pheasant feather as the focal point, and a wayward gold threaded butterfly captured in the mix, the velour based hat is a whimsical composition. Picking up on the Steampunk aspects of the set and costume design in this Pastiche, we added a bit of gilt chain, and some antique buttons, and of course, some Victorian trim. Because the trim is all unique, each hat we sell is an original composition, quite one of a kind.

There are always surprises in the collections we do for The Met Opera Shop. It's a constant source of inspiration, and delight.

Come to the MetOperashop site, and see for yourselves. Ellen Christine hats are available, and sometimes, we sneak in different productions, as we create!

Met Opera Shop | Opera Hats and Opera Hair Accessories | Enchanted Island Cloche by Ellen Christine.

www.metoperashop.org

All pictures of our hats above are by Tom Bloom, photographer extraordinaire.

November Again/ Italian Flair

2012-01-04T03:33:00.001-08:00

In my ongoing retrospective of this past year's goings on, the press played a huge part in our reality. Italian Flair asked us to do a hat that would be reminiscent of Cardin, or Courreges, very 1960's in flavor. What do you do when you don't own the block? It's called millinery, my dears. You swan it. That means, with a bit of steam, one of our vintage crown blocks, and lots of hand manipulation, it happens. This is actually two hats in one, as some of you may realize. Because the height necessitates an interior elevation, we build a solid foundation from the same felt, to accomodate the head, and have the "opening" sit in perfect position. I'm always amazed at the shots: photography, lighting, and styling all combine to create a beautiful picture. The model is posed in that very cheeky Atomic 1960's way: all swagger, all attitude.

It can be daunting to attempt a recreation, or to do a hat that carries with it a scintilla of past glories, but since I'm all about vintage, somehow it always works. By osmosis, I would expect. We don't have any originals to use as research, so we invent our own modern take on the look. The result: Space Age. Sputnik. And a really great shot.

Hayley in November

2011-12-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

One of the delightful things that happened to Ellen Christine in November was the appearance of Hayley Griffiths. She covers stories for a news service, and came to our loft to do a piece on our work. Taking pictures of the showroom, and of the workspace, Hayley was fascinated by the overview she achieved that day. In her blog, http://www.hayleygriffith.com/Tuntu/2011/11/22/ellen-christine-nyc-milliner/ she includes pictures of our work-in-progress, and covers the interview side with alacrity.

Questions aside, the interesting thing for me is that every interview we do seems to amaze the interviewer. Maybe I'm just too lost in my world o' hats here, but it seems to me that people know so very little about the process. It's really isn't like going to a supermarket and picking up the ingredients for a pie. Hat making is an intense and often thwarting business . Often, the materials you've just used in your collection are dicontinued, so all the designs must be changed. Even buyers don't really know what we go through as milliners/hatters. Striving for perfection, and often needing to allow the customer to go only half way can be frustrating to say the least. The customer may be a lovely lady from Minsk, or a store who wants to carry your hats, but hasn't a clue as to how to market them. Ah,the joys of a design life. And lifestyle.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

But more on that another day.

Peachy Deegan, our own Hedda Hopper

2011-12-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

Whom You Know: Top it Off with Ellen Christine, Official Milliner of Whom You Know, and Keep America

www.whomyouknow.com

Peachy Deegan has a brilliant column online that covers things high and low all over Manhattan. She loves things made in America, and spotlights new restaurants, and the most excellent of choices for your shopping pleasure. All in Manhattan, sourcing for the coolest shoes, the nicest dentist, the most chic, the most hip. Peachy tells us which restaurants are hot, new, or just plain good. In her column, she can cover beauty as delightfully as the latest fundraiser she has just attended.

Be there or be square, basically, since "Whom You Know" lays out the facts of life for those coming to New York, or those of us who live here.

Peachy began working with Ellen Christine on a sultry summer's day, when she happened upon us when we were in Chelsea, in the retail space. That summer, Peachy wore an Ellen Christine hat to the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic, a yearly event on Governor's Island. The girl can wear a hat! Nowadays you may see her in one of her feathered fascinators, which have become part of her public persona . In November, WhomYouKnow.com published an update of our story, slanting it towards the "Made in America" point of view. Patriotic, Peachy appreciates a good thing when she sees it, but loves a good thing when it's provenance is local/USA, and never hesitates to cover that fact. It's an honor to be part of the "Movers and Shakers" roster, along with such luminaries as Liz Smith and New York City's Mayor Mike Bloomberg. And it's more than fabulous being the "Official Milliner" of WhomYouKnow. Along with lots of superb purveyors of excellence, our hats have received a warm and friendly welcome chez Peachy.

For Hedda Hopper fans, Peachy may be a throwback, a new and exciting insertion into the world of the web. Hats go great with poise and character, and Peachy is just that personified. As a point of exclamation on a might slip of a girl, her hats are becoming seen around some of the finest establishments in town. Look for her, and look for WhomYouKnow.com to be in the know, and on top of the brightest and most beautiful here in town.

Thank you, Whom You Know, for giving us such great coverage,and for looking so resplendant in your plumage!

Photo courtesy of : WhomYouKnow.com

Christmas Present 2012: Roberto Alagna

2011-12-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

It’s Christmas 2012, it’s NYC, and our Christmas present this year is Roberto Alagna! Faust is once again at The Metropolitan Opera, and Robertino is here for two glorious performances: last night, and next Wednesday, the 28^th of December. With his whirlwind press tour for the newest CD “Pasion”, behind him, and a jam-packed (until 2016) schedule ahead, this beloved tenor will have a brief respite from life for a sojourn of one month in New York City. Not that we take care of him here: he’s suffering from a sore throat, and today was in the emergency room for an ankle damage. It must have been that cartwheel in Act I last night!

Last night, Roberto demonstrated his consummate professionalism as he regaled a cheerful Christmas audience in spite of a sore throat, and as we have just learned, an ankle injury. Dancing, and playing the flirt in the part of the young Faust, Roberto demonstrates his acrobatic abilities as well as his winning ways.

This new production, by Des McAnuff places the opera in WWI-WWI-II era, with brilliant costumes by Paul Tazewewll. The excitement in the house is palpable: Roberto is in the house. The Met Opera shop is 4 deep at the counters, as Roberto’s CD “Pasion” flies off the shelves. And Carmen is playing on the big screen, in honor no doubt, of his presence.

Stepping into Faust’s shoes once again (Mr. Alagna was here in 2005 in the previous production, complete with top hat and cane) as a dandy, he brings to the Met stage his buoyant personality, and emotive portrayal of a man gone mad with self-doubt and guilt.

Like a 1920’s melodrama serial, this production begins with a black and white palette. The visage of Faust covers the enormous scrim of the Met stage, and like the Veil of Turin, speaks volumes before one single note of music is played. Robert Brill, set designer, Peter Munford, lighting, and Sean Nieuwenhuis, in charge of video design, collaborated on mood, before all else. The black and white overtones are dissipated in the opening scene as the lugubrious metal framework of the set is awash in fog. Lost souls wander aimlessly across the laboratory setting. Two definitive spiral staircases mark the boundaries between life and death. The elder Faust, in homburg and greatcoat (Wait! Could that be Roberto????) tells us by stance, posture, pose, of his exhaustion. One single red rose brings a spark of hope to the monochrome. Faust, aged, stooped is soon joined onstage by Mephistopheles. Sung by the fantabulous Rene Pape, our favorite devil, Meph is a cartoon icon of a bad boy. From this point onward, the costumes of Mephistopheles and Faust, the Younger, will mirror each other – the dichotomy of the psyche defined in the language of costume.

The rear of the stage is set with a screen that projects the faces of Marguerite, and at times, hope via a floral bower, or despair, as marked by the grey passage of time itself. As the young Faust emerges from the mists of time, the scene shifts onstage to a WWI pastiche: soldiers crowd everywhere, mingling with the bevy of fashionably dressed “camp followers”. Brian Mulligan, baritone par excellence, plays Valentin to the hilt, delivering a “Avant de quitter ses lieux” to a bravo’d, heavy applause. I did say a very enthusiastic crowd.

Mephistopheles uses chicanery, sorcery and cheap thrills to wheedle the wills of men, and bend them to his vision. Where Faust is flirtatious, Roberto gives us all the vigor such a cad could carry. Where Faust is touched by the raw innocence of his “conquest”, Marguerite, Roberto gives a seductive, moving, perfect “ Salut, Demeure chaste et pure”. He carries the entire house with him on a perfect note, heart -stopping and ethereal.

Our Marguerite, Malin Bystrom gives her Jewel Box song with a delighted, girlish enthusiasm. This is Ms. Bystrom’s Met debut, and she has moments that sparkle, like the tiara she gleefully models in the mirror, and yet falls into the arms of Roberto with trepidation.

A pink glow falls on the set, and changes us from severe “chaste et pure” to the warmth of a burgeoning love affair. Roberto does his thing: seduction in progress, by a master of the genre.

Although the Met here announces that “Mr. Alagna is not feeling very well, but he will attempt to finish his performance”, Roberto dives into the swordfight that kills Valentin with brio.

The danse macabre that may indeed translate into Walpurgis (we were missing the usual feminine demonic hovering ballerinas) proceeds the final denouement of Marguerite. The fires of Hell are now poison apple green , and her “pure radiant angels” is a relief from the demonic activity and the loss of Faust’s soul. Marguerite climbs the stairway to heaven, and our once- again aged Faust succumbs.

Throughout this well-directed, very smooth pacing, Rene Pape lords over the world weary reality that is Gounod’s Faust with aplomb. He is witty, slimey/suave and superlative in his white leisure suit. Both he and Roberto man it up in suit after resplendent suit, complete with spats and bon vivant boutonierres. The adept millinery department of the Costume Shop at the Met give us hat after hat, all phenomenons of height and drama, very WWI. The chorus is covered in perfect period ensembles that run the gamut in inspiration from “ Alice Blue Gown” to Irving Berlin.

Well done, and a Merry Christmas indeed!

Faust runs through January 19^th

The Travelling Hat

2011-12-09T18:04:00.000-08:00

David Widjaja is a friend of mine. He came into my life as a stylist, and he has given Ellen Christine such grand exposure in magazines that are seen all across the country. Literally. For example, this one, CS (chicago) and Angeleno (Los Angeles) are both under the publishing wing of Modern Luxury. There are also issues in Atlanta,Dallas, Miami, Wash.D.C. and New Yodk city, to name a few of the covers. For their 2011 Holiday Wish List, published in November, we bagged the cover of the Chicago issue. Thank you, David!

David is all about color. He makes me work in brights, primary tones,and things outside of my normal comfort realm. This is good. With his eye for luxurious fabrics and exotic sets, David works magic with our hats. Also seen in the pages of internationally acclaimed mags, he styles luxe far and wide, and he loves hats.

When a stylist has a natural affinity for an accessory, they approach their composition from a different point of view. Sometimes it's the photographer who requests our pieces for editorial shoots, and then the stylist works with them to co-create a look. But with David, it's always his idea. I know when I get that phone call that I have to do something in silk. Like a turban. Or colorful like the little "Flying Saucers" we did for this cover. He drapes his models over staircases, wraps them around chairs, poses them on balconies, swimming pools, and keeps that hat on their heads at all costs.

Thank you, David, for your years of bright looks, and demanding ways. May we continue to work together for many ,many years. Here's to the next cover!

P.S. Not all publications that our hats appear in find their way to my doorstep. The editor of this particular magazine sent us two copies, one of CS, and one of Angeleno, in a magnanimous gesture. We thank him. Believe it or not, most times it's one of our friends, colleagues or clients who do the Ellen Christine spotting!

Hats Across the Miles of Internet

2011-12-09T03:02:00.000-08:00

Been a long time. Since all the s/s (Spring/Summer to novices) has been there and done that, we're now onto the new S/S 2012. Normally, wayyy before Christmas, designers have done with their new collections for the next year. Resort happens somewhere in there as well, and Fall? Fall is a state of mind until it's time to design the new F/W (did you get it yet?:Fall/Winter), for next year. Yes, it's all pretty confusing, but then again, it's just another cycle. It's why bikinis are in shop windows in January. And Vogue is showing "pre-Spring" in December.

Our seasons are not the same as real seasons. Then again, our entire point of view is skewed towards one reality: design. Design factors into every sense of what material to use; what "theme" pervades; where the muse comes from. To be a designer, or an artist, usually means that everyday bits and pieces get taken care of by someone else. The moment you live in is all important, and the current project is the major focus.

Focus is compartimental in design. Like Bill Clinton, a designer puts it all into proportion: open one door, close another one. It's almost like living in a big house, with each room done in a different color. The pattern of your moment changes with the light and shadows of each room, and you change focus, according to the immediate environment.

If none of this makes sense, feel free to ask about art, or design to the next person you meet. Hopefully, they will have a different take on it all. For one, I tend to get wrapped up in many projects at once, but always looking backwards and forwards. Backwards, because a hat I designed many moons ago shows up on the pages of Vogue months after the shoot has happened. Forwards because vision is perceptive: it carries you forward into the next project with no help from you.

With this blog, I shall attempt to catch you up to now. We have had many wonderful ,breathtaking projects this year,and I hope to finish the recap before it's ended in a few weeks!

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Above, see The Olsen Twins in two of our hats in the Vogue special issue for December: Best Dressed. It's always a thrill and an honor.

"The Hat" That Ate The Royal Wedding

2011-05-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

Isabella Blow wore Phillip Treacy to death. Literally. This was a woman who treated fashion with respect, and yet, nothing wore her. She wore it. She wore Phillip Treacy hats with apblomb, and largely helped to establish him as a fixture in the fashion/hat firmament. It's said that Phillip Treacy designed more than 36 hats for guests at the Royal Wedding. The statements that his designs made reverberate in the fashion world even as they are seen on runways and on the heads of over-the-top celebrities.

This time, for the marriage of Kate Middleton and Prince William, Phillip Treacy outdid himself. This time, it wasn't just the world of glossy magazine layouts that sat up and took notice. This time, because of an interesting twist on a bow on the head of Princess Beatrice, , the entire world took notice.

The headpiece in question, done as an artistic and very creative interpretaion of a bow, was created in the palest of nudes, to accessorize the Princess' very chic Valentino ensemble.

"The Hat" sat forward on the forehead, much like the "dolls' hats" first designed by Elsa Schapiarelli in the 1930's . The cap was trimmed with what some have called "antlers". Treacy is no stranger to antler shapes as headgear: his collaboration with Alexander McQueen, for McQueen's 2006 collection demonstrated this. This was not an antler.

The trim of Princess Beatrice's hat was a monochromatic extension of the cap, largely resembling a bow, the knot of the bow, and the ends of the ribbon looping around and up . Treacy's vision was glorious from a milliner's point of view. How the molded bow was made is his secret, as are all of Treacy's methods. They appear as constructions molded and suspended in air. From his first collection, from his senior graduating project for the Royal College of Art, Treacy has learned how to defy gravity .

Bob Mackie once described a gown he made for Jayne Mansfield as a "hydraulic suspension bridge". Phillip Treacy designs create the same sense of awe and admiration from those of us who design hats.

Consternation, on the other hand, is what most of the world expressed when they saw "The Hat" . "The Hat" has been a hot subject of discussion since Beatrice stepped out of her limousine at the gates of Westminster Abbey

Reaching at least a foot above the Princess' height, "the Hat" cause an instant reaction in the worldwide press. "Overshadowing" most of the day, for some "out of place" for others. "The Hat"gave the public something to fixate upon. Here in the States, Joan Rivers called it an IUD. Some called it " a pretzel. "The Hat" gained an immediate following on Facebook, with thousands of commentaries decrying its originality and assertiveness.

For me, this bit of joyous exhuberance harkened back to the days when Isabella Blow was seen everywhere in her Phillip Treacy hats. Her spirit lives long after her death because of the phantasmgorical headpieces Treacy has produced through the years. Never one to demur to a regime of quiet reserve in her dress, Issy gave us Treacy by day, Treacy by night . Even the tribute that sat upon her coffin was her favorite Treacy hat. Isabella Blow was on all fronts, an innovator. Had she been at the Royal Wedding she most certainly would have applauded the little bow that sat upon Princess Beatrice's head. Certainly not screaming in color, "The Hat" represents the fashion forward direction that Great Britain had always taken. Traditionally, the Brits are a hat loving folk. May they be eccentric to our eyes? May they be silly by our standatds? to some, Great Britain resounds of colonial retribution since for centuries Britannia ruled the waves and it attributes. America was indeed one of those attributes, a colony of misfits that sought refuge on the shores of an exciting new continent.

Well, the excitement has diminished and the conservative fashion scene in the US now rules our shores. So thank God for the excitement generated by anything that Philip Treacy, Vivienne Westwood, or a host of other designers show us with their stimulating collections.

"The Hat " may cause strife in the minds of the more fashion conservative . Indeed it may cause consternation. But the primary rule of the fashion industry is to put something out there that will make people sit up and take notice.

Princess Beatrice has put her Treacy up for auction, to benefit UNICEF. Perhaps that was always the plan, to attract enough attention so that the buzz would reverberate around the world, and help to drive the feeding frenzy. This would be ingenious marketing at it's best. It worked with the ubiquitous floppy brimmed hat worn by Jennifer Lopez many moons ago, and it worked for the girls of Sex in The City. And now the worldwide press is watching every breath "The Hat" takes. Tracking "The Hat" has become a pasttime for some, an income for others.

"The Hat" lives on, but more importantly, the millinery industry may have finally gotten it's golden shot in the arm. You probably won't see "The Hat" walking down Main Street , but it might yet be caught on the High Street. The avant-garde of the fashion world may not feel as negatively as the middle class does. But fashion needs the middle class: they're our shopping public.

No, the ordinary woman may not pick up a over-the-top fascinator to wear to the country club, or to Coney Island. But hat have now captured their share of the popular cultural spotlight. The Headwear industry may now be perhaps experiencing it's long awaited Renaissance. No longer the forgotten child of the accessory world. Hats are finally out of the closet, and are yet on the tip of everyone' s tongue when they talk of the Royal Wedding.

"The Hat" will live on, in the closet of it's next owner. But it's myth will spark a renewed interest in headwear, and forever be a touchstone in fashion history. Hopefully "The Hat" will be won at auction by a museum, where it can be both admired and critiqued for centuries to come.

After all, fashion is, indeed, subjective. and it all started with a bow.

Alex McCord Does Wendy Williams

2011-05-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Alex Mc Cord, or may I say, the charming and lovely Alex McCord came to our showroom this week. Because I'm used to dealing with last minute crazed editors and stylists, I was amazed at the fact that she had prepped this visitation with a DM, and an email, to set the time up.

Here's the gig: an appearance on The Wendy Williams Show for The Royal Wedding post-ceremony commentary on Friday. With Simon . And, of course, clothes-conscious folk that they both are, they prepared ahead of time.

Let me say that again. Ahead of time. For those of you who read me, and/or who are used to the spontaneity of the fab fashion world (I'm being understated here), veeery (sic) little is prepared ahead of time. Oh, sure, Nicoletta Santoro, the saint of prep, or Karl Templer, another one who always calls me in early for their shoots....but normally? The shoot is tomorrow. The television show is in an hour. The photog wants hats. The star wants hats. The producer wants hats. Kill me, I'm not exaggerating. Life is a whirlwind .

So, Alex knows what she'd like to wear, and is hoping we have something in her colorway. Since I'm an avid fan of the show RHONY, and especially of herself and her dapper hub, I know her look. Besides, we've done a shoot together vicariously through my hats. And she's walked in Malan Breton's fashion shows, for which I've had the great pleasure to do hats. So I felt confident in what I'd like to put on her mane of blonde-ness.

But NOTHING prepared me! when they came to this humble, if flavorful establishment,they fill the room with their overall carriage, and personalities. They're incredibly well-paired, as if via central casting. Simon is in an impeccably casual seersucker jacket, which matches the monochromatic golden bronze tones of Alex's heels-but-still-casual ensemble. Blow me away for being a fan, but let me tell you! And I've done some superstars. Jack Nickolson once pinched my butt!

Let's get down to business: the piece I had chosen for her works perfectly. In an instant, I had her hair in a semi-lift, with softness around her chiseled features, and voila! Simon approves. but more importantly, I like it on her, and she likes it , too. Especially for her dress . Oh, la. Can life always be this easy, please? Champagne, and peaches. Love.

Watch for clips of The Wendy Williams Show on her site, unless Simon gets a hold of them first and shares.

Hat's Over!

2011-05-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Or, to those of you who aren't into hats: The subject of hats is just : too much , too many. For lovers, creators, and wearers of hats, it's the old sign from the LoneStar in NYC: "Too Much is Never Enough". We're drooling, we're in hat heaven. We're over the top with glee and childish excitement. Much like a love-starved guy on an internet sex site, hat fans are finally having their day in the sun.

We all have our favorites, and not-so faves, of the Hats at The Royal Wedding. Let me point out which ones Ellen Christine loved, and to underline just why.

It's page after page of hats, hats, and more hats. How to choose the pick of the litter: knock off the boring, conventional, the blase. Are you getting my drift?

Nude reigned, with washes of color a close second, in the choice of ensemble, as well as headgear for the day. Navy substitutes black in many instances, but the occasional black hat snuck into the Abbey. Phantasmagorical, oh, yes indeed. Phillip Treacy? Not to be overlooked as the Head of State in the Hat World , and seen on at least 36 heads , according to the quotes online.

We loved Lady Sophie of Wessex in her Jane Taylor nude "headband". The sweep of straw base, wrapped around a headband base, was particularly well balanced by the trim of flower and feather. Loved the monochromatic tone on tone of her ensemble. So understated, and chic.

Lady Sophie Windsor, in her navy blue, off-kilter Treacy, led the way for the larger proportioned hats of the day. Her chignon finished her look perfectly, and brought Dior, in his "New Look" phase to mind . Yes it's got it's bow, in a space-age sort of way. Yes it's a large brim, in a modern take: balanced, in an unbalanced way.

The ashes of roses worn by Princess Letizia of Spain plays a safe game. this is the hat that most women will understand. It's a simple shape , in natural straw, with again, monochromatic tones. An Edwardian color, this pink, and it's echoed in her hat. Pretty, inoffensive, and practical: she won't be bumping her hat into the Archbishop's face! And you can see over her hat, if you've been seated behind her.

Ah, Mrs. Becks: Victoria Beckham resplendant in her pregnancy. She is wearing one of her lable's trapeeze dresses, clean lines, a hair sexy. Her glow is not in her smile, it's in her hat: Phillip Treacy. They say they worked on this hat until the second beforehand. And it's such a simple little pillbox, with a jaunty trim. Masterful.

We now come to our favorite hat of the day. Yes I said favorite: Princess Beatrice. Her stylized bow has caused incendiary remarks worldwide, but hey, it works! The color, again, the nude, soft tone, and after all ,it's just a simple bow. Read my separate article about this hat all it's significance to some of us. Bea's classic heels and oh-so-elegant Valentino balances the whimsical hat that Mr. Treacy made for her.

The Earl Spencer's Kitty worked the nude vibe as well. Her fascinator, as well as her sisters' choices, very age- appropriate, but punchy enough to stand out in a crowd of benign headgear in this category. The fascinator is a piece for women who can't yet handle a large brimmed knock- the -ball- out- of -the -ball -park kind of hat. The fascinator will help a whole generation come to love and learn the hat lore ahead of them (all puns intended).

The blue you have to love. Not just because it's Malan Breton's color, (we love Malan), but the uplift color, in the USA, is always seen at a wedding. This ensemble, on Tara Palmer-Thomkinson is topped with another mind-boggling Treacy creation. Yes, it has a name, according to the bible by Joan Rivers. But we won't go there. Again, a "cocktail hat", perched, like the hats of the WWII fashions. The vertical lines work with Ms. Palmer-Thomkinson's proportions, and don't turn her into an exclamation point.

Zara Phillips had on one of Treacy's most seen stylistic hats: the wide-brimmed, flower -tucked-under-the-ear idea. Spanish in origin, worn by centuries of Sevillanas, this style has been transformed by M. Treacy into haute couture. Indeed , we have seen a version on the runway. Ms. Phillips hat color choice is black, but with the airiness of the straw that was used, it doesn't read dense.

Jacqui Ainsley is wearing the "little " hat, that does compromise between the fascinator and the brimmed hat. Poised just to the front of the forehead, with the trim at the rear, this hat would work on any age , any coloring, any hairdo.

Princess Maxima of The Netherlands has been overlooked in the fashion press, with no nod to her perfectly draped calot. Her hat is an echo of hats favored by Princess Grace of Monaco, and millions of fashionable women in the 1950's. Another version of this would be the Juliet cap, oft favored by our brides here at Ellen Christine. Draping is an art taught along side construction and drafting in design school, but needs to be executed by a very skillful hand. Madame Gres is a name most known when draping is the subject matter, but Charles James loved it in his gowns, too.

Finally, The Duchess of Kent, chose palest pink, and on a woman of her advanced style, it might not work. But just look at her: resplendant in her (again!) monochrome. This Milady hasn't lost her stylish edge, and wore a small cocktail hat, with perfectly balanced trim.

There you have it. Now can we go on to other subject matter, please??????

friend us on Facebook (Ellen Christine Millinery) and follow us on Twitter:@ellenchristine

the View does Ellen Christine

2011-04-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

It's been one polluted week for hats. The Royal Wedding had every tv show scrambling for coverage, not just by their camermen, but coverage for the talking heads. Those heads needed hats, and pronto. It was like: "oops, we forgot the hats", and so a mad dash for hats happened all over town (New York City). And, as per usual, in the fashion world, it was all last minute.

One of the shows Ellen Christine Millinery covered was TheView. Barbara Walters' baby, with a revolving panel of 4, this talk show brings topics and opinions to the forefront of livingrooms in America.

For the Royal Wedding Show, the costume designer called in pieces early in the week (that's this week, for those who aren't following), to be seen by the cast, producer, whomever deigns the wardrobe worthy enough for daytime television audiences, and approved. Apparently, the ladies choose their wardrobe a scant moment before the cameras start to roll, so, not only did we not know their headsizes, but we sure didn't know what they would be wearing.

Good thing I know these ladies from years of watching them on programs. Sheri, we had actually done hats for , when her sitcom needed hats for a church episode. The best way out of this would be to send in fascinators: those little darling drops of joy that perch on the head and cause everyone to giggle. Couldn't go wrong with a fascinator, so off they went: a goodly selection.

When they walked out on stage we got our surprise: Goldi Hawn was the guest host today! And she was wearing a black "Kitchen Sink" I had whipped up that morning. It's ditsy enough for her, but chic. They chose the one I had put in the box just perfect for Elizabeth: a peach horsehair "choux", that had just been featured on "The Aisle". There's another version of this little hat in the "Henri Bendel by Ellen Christine" collection, too. If there are any left.

See The View, our episode, here in it's entirety:

http://abc.go.com/watch/the-view/SH559080/VD55124459/the-view-429

Ellen Christine Walks down The Aisle

2011-04-17T15:55:00.001-07:00

Ellen Christine joins the ranks of fashion favorites on The Aisle. The trend-making designer leads the millinery field with landmark editorials in Vogue, W Magazine, Elegant Bride, Martha Stewart Weddings. Currently seen on David Tutera’s “My Fair Wedding”, Ellen Christine concocts headpieces for couture runway shows, and private collections for well-known retail venues around the world.

The collaboration with The Aisle stems from her reputation in the world of fashion. David Yassky , co-founder and co-president of The Aisle knows Ellen Christine from his time at WWD. This is to be an accessible collection, using the familiar elements so recognizable in Ellen Christine Millinery. Artful draping, precious handmade flowers, and fanciful featherwork lend an old Hollywood feel to this group. Inspired by contemporary bridal wear, but rooted in the glamour of red carpet close-ups, this collection will add to the look and the feel of brides around the world.

For the thousands of eager members of The Aisle, the sale begins on April 19^th. Coming just before Easter, and the imminent Royal Wedding, these headpieces will lend the perfect note to the hat mad, in this season of hat frenzy. Ellen Christine has never before offered headpieces in the wholesale Wedding market, and The Aisle is the perfect venue . There are eight custom designed pieces, offered no where else. And there’s only one week to shop!

www.theaislenewyork.com

Roberto Alagna on Facebook

2011-03-06T06:40:00.000-08:00

Sounds silly, right? Isn't everybody on FB? Not at all:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roberto-Alagna-The-Passion-official-FB-page/134460906620631

is the official , official, by his sister, his personal press corps, page. The fans, the groupies, the admirers of RA have been waiting for this for a long, long time. Grousing, complaining, wheedling, hoping. And now we have him. All to ourselves, on Facebook. Marinella has put up exclusive shots from his recent productions. Those of you who don't know Roberto Alagna are in for a treat. The golden boy of the lyrique stage who has changed the face and the attitude of opera forever is a superior talent not to be missed. Fans and followers know and love the inflection of his voice, the precise tonality, and the eloquent phraseology. For those of you out there who don't follow opera: come on board. It's not long-hair anymore, exclusive to the rich and richer. The opera world is enlarging it's popular appeal, by including contemporary facelifts to the classics. Architects are among those now designing sets at The Met. Prada, the fashion house of Miuccia, is designing costumes. Peter Gelb is taking his Met by the horns and mounting an entire new "Ring". Come and see! And hear. Wherever you are in the world, go hear an opera, and bathe in the exquisite music that is ours to own and enjoy.

Roberto Alagna has added a scintilla of rockstar to the opera world. He's the face and the voice the world wants most to see and hear. RA has led an entire corps of actor/singer onto the lyrique stage, and opera will thank him for it for generations to come. No more a "stand-and-deliver" operatic performance, geared to the audience of yore; opera is now raw drama, burning passion, glorious joy. The actor/singer of today , with Roberto Alagna at the avant-garde of these new performers, give us a different point of view. Opera is changing, and those of us who have always loved music, are deeply greatful . Even if we are led, kicking and screaming into the future.

Inspiration of The Met Collection: The Divas

2011-02-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

One of the most frequently asked questions of a designer is: where do you get your ideas? Most of the people asking are not artistes, but appreciate and marvel at the things designers do.

Part of "The Met Opera Collection: The Divas", that we did for The Met Opera Shop came from the intense performances on that huge, vast, and impressive stage. The voices that we are privileged to hear interpret roles after role each season, as Mr. Gelb forges a new world of opera lend themselves to dramatic inspiration. The new production of "Carmen", with Roberto Alagna, quintessential Don Jose , and the best Carmen in the opera world, Elina Garanca, influenced the design of the Ellen Christine fascinator in blood red, and black. The headpieces drip in the way the gown in the death scene falls from Carmen's body as she lay dying.

Armida, all pinks and poppy red, gave us the idea for the bandeaux we made for the collection: petals, floating with sprigs of ostrich, sit lightly on the head, as lightly as the spells of the sorceress, as sung by the fabulous Renee Fleming.

The crown of the collection, made just for the launch party, is the "Armida". It's a huge picture hat, covered in more than 300 silk blossoms. The flowers are made by Schmalberg here in NYC, who also did the flowers for the set of Armida. We used the same petal formation, and the same shades of pink and red from the costume and set design, for this hat. The surprise is that it was inspired by a photo that Solange Van de Vyvre, from Belgium, shared with us . The Floralies, a world famous event in her home town of Ghent, takes place every 5 years or so. The installations at this show are made completely with plant materials and flowers. Our Armida hat was inspired by a gorgeous shot that Solange sent us.

Inspiration is all around us: see the magic, and art.

Photograph : Sandy Ramirez

Ellen Christine at the Met

2011-02-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

The Metropolitan Opera Shop invited us to do our launch of the new collection there yesterday, St. Valentine's Day, for Fashion Week Fall 2011. Because the inspiration of the show revolves around the Met's current productions of Carmen, and Armida, the setting was appropriate. Breathtaking, the Shop sits ensconced just beyond the ticket windows, a glowing draw for the opera lovers of the world. Lit by original fixtures designed for the Met's opening , the inviting space pours out into the foyer, and celebrates the art form with pieces that allow the public to participate in their favorites through music, books, and now, fashion.

Ellen Christine , and The Diva Collection, designed in collaboration with the Met Opera Shop geniuses, will be in residence, affording headpieces that lend a romantic note to every head. Rich reds, taken from the heartbeat of Carmen, dance in a flowered accessory that sparkles with the light of Alagna's "La fleur que tu m'avais jetee". The tonal pinks of Fleming's Armida ride on a bandeaux of silk petals. The Diva herself, the centerpiece of the collection, is scattered with pieces of broken Swarovski crystal, capturing the magic of the Met's Austrian chandeliers.

Be part of this exciting Met Opera Collection: feathers, flowers and light to draw you in and fascinate.

Exclusively for The Metropolitan Opera Shop, Ellen Christine Diva Collection, for Fall 2011, available now, and by special order in the Shop at Lincoln Center.

photo: Sandy Ramirez

Opera, Not Hats

2011-02-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

Where may the hats have gone to, you may say.........for me, Ellen Christine, it's all tied into design theory. Like music theory. Like dance theory. Like art theory.

The Metropolitan Opera gives us grandiosity, and thus, inspiration. And for the production of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra, it was all old school. The sets: involved. The costumes: lush. The singing: grandiloquent. And the conducting, ah, the conducting!!!!!superb. It was opera 101 for some, and an indulgence for others, with the sets leaning more towards opulence than modernisme. The velvet, the brocades, the fur, the armor.......ah, what a delight for the costume freak in all of us. Lame done as armour. Armour done as armour. Lord, I love a guy in a skirt. Help me, but I do. When that guy is Dmitri Hvorostovsky, and it's a full-length coat/dress/robe......heaven. Somehow a Russian draped in fur, singing his heart out, is a natural. That's because Dmitri makes it all seem so easy. Except for the first act, when he appeared in a blonde/brown wig, his stage presence is nothing short of noblesse oblige. Not an actor, but a remarkable baritone, he sang the role in an emotive, languid spellbinding manner. No, his enunciation isn't Alagna-esque, but that voice of his carries, and moves the soul of a non-believer.

The berry -reds in the wardrobe echoed the tones of Simon's predicament, and the lamentable situation unfurling in the cold palace. Warm shades of red to match the redolent voices. Furlanetto is deep, rich brocade, if he is a fabric. Maestro Levine carried the orchestra as if the music flowed from his very hands.

The set felt like a Maxfield Parrish print come to life: soft, deep lighting, ably set the stage for those voices, those costumes, that music.

We fell in love with Furlanetto in Don Carlo, and can only weep at his vocal ability. Every duet sung perfectly. The casting included Barbara Frittoli and Ramon Vargas. Whenever any of the cast sang together, it was magic: voices melded and supporting each other. My only problems with some of the singing was in Frittoli's high reaches. Vargas played a noble part, and he wears the armour well. His stage presence lacks the magic of some Met performers, but he holds his own, and stands true as a tenor.

Act II gained applause at the set, and Frittoli reigned supreme in her trill in court. The second act filled in the holes, and provided distance , and gained momentum in the singing. the Met delivers once again!

Les Chaussures de Roberto Alagna

2011-01-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

translated, to French, for his European cadre, by Google translate

Ellen Christine: Ok, donc 1 chose: quand a été la 1ère fois vous êtes venu àNy?

Roberto Alagna: Il a été, pour la première fois à New York a été pour le concours Pavarotti ... .. car nous avons fait la première éliminatoire (sic) pour le concours ici en 85 ... ..

Ellen Christine: Je pensais que c'était à Philadelphie, non?

Roberto Alagna: La finale a été à Philadelphie, mais le début était ici, à New York.

Ellen Christine: Donc, vous étiez un bébé.

Roberto Alagna: j'étais un bébé ... je ... à cette époque je ne me souviens pas, il était de 23, ou 22..

Roberto et Ellen: quelque chose comme ça, ouais.

Ellen Christine: A propos de New York et vous: parce que vous avez tellement d'énergie, que je pense que New York est une ville bon pour vous parce qu'il est à égalité avec votre énergie.

Roberto Alagna: I love New York, mais je vais vous donner un secret:

Ellen Christine: Quel secret?

Roberto Alagna: J'ai un secret à New York: parce que je connais un endroit dans Central Park, c'est juste une petite surface, 1 mètre, (en italien) carre mètres. Et dans ce carré, c'est le silence total, et quand je suis plein de musique et tout dans ma tête, j'y vais, et je reste là pendant 1 heure, 2 heures, en regardant le ciel ou regarder les arbres, et tout, et en une heure, je nettoie mon cerveau, totalement propre.Mais I love NY parce que j'aime cette énergie de la ville. En fait, j'aime ces contrastes. Vous pouvez vous sentir beaucoup de contrastes, des contrastes différents à New York. J'aime ça. Et vous pouvez être surpris tout le temps, partout.

Ellen Christine:Chaque coin

Roberto Alagna: Oui, tous les coins ... j'adore ça.

Ellen Christine: Et tes fans français, tes fans espagnols viennent vous voir ... tout le monde vient vous voir à New York.

Roberto Alagna: Parce que le Met est très important. Aujourd'hui, pour moi, c'est le premier théâtre dans le monde. Et j'aime venir ici pourquoi: non seulement parce que vous avez ce public magnifique et ce beau théâtre, mais au même temps vous pouvez retrouver ici votre famille, je veux dire mes musiciens de famille. Vous savez, chanteurs. Parce que quand vous venez ici tout le temps ici vous avez beaucoup de productions dans le même temps, tout le temps.Nous sommes en bas, dans la cantina, et nous rencontrer et parler avec les autres et c'est très agréable de se rencontrer après 2 ou 3 ans ... .. pour revoir au Horovtowsky, et son épouse et les enfants, pour rencontrer Sandra, Simon, tout le monde et j'aime ça, parce que vous vous sentez comme une vraie famille.

Ellen Christine: Donc, vous allez manquer NY quand vous nous quitter pour une année entière?

Roberto Alagna: Tout le temps, toutes les fois ouais, sûr, sûr. NY me manque tout le temps, parce que je suis en amour avec la ville, et j'ai beaucoup de belles souvenirs d'ici. J'ai passé beaucoup de temps avec ma femme, avec ma famille, et ma fille. J'ai beaucoup de belles memoirs.

Ellen Christine: Votre fille etait ici avec vous?

Roberto Alagna: Oh, bien sûr, de nombreuses fois.Je me souviens avec elle quand elle était petite, nous sommes restés ce moment-là dans la maison de l'Essex, Central Park South et quand elle était petite, pour essayer de dormir, je descendis vous le savez, de faire une tournée avec les chevaux,

Ellen et Roberto: (les voitures)

et nous avons fait le tour, et après qu'elle est allée dormir, je l'ai mise sur mon bras, et au lit.

Ellen Christine: Excellente idée!

Ellen Christine: Allez-vous au Canada et à Moscou cet été?

Roberto Alagna: Oui, cet été je serai au Canada, à Toronto, avec un répertoire de très belles et d'une soprano nouvelle. Je ne la connais pas, mais j'aime aussi des surprises dans ma profession aussi, et après que je vais retourner àMoscou. J'ai chanté plusieurs fois là-bas, c'est un public magnifique.

Ellen Christine: Et le reste du temps, vous serez en France?

Roberto Alagna: Je vais être en France, en Espagne, à Vienne, à Londres, en Allemagne, partout.

Ellen Christine: Encore une fois je vais vous demander, de la part de Solange:pourquoi ne pas vous rendre en Belgique?

Roberto Alagna: Non, je suis allé à Bruxelles l'année dernière, et j'ai chanté un beau concert. J'ai chanté Roméo et Juliette en concert, et il était beau, avec un grand succès et tout. Le problème: je ne peux pas aller à Brux et de dire: OK, les gars, je voudrais chanter. Ils doivent m'appeler. Si elles m'invitent, je viens.

Ellen Christine: Votre sœur a de le faire?

Roberto Alagna: Non, non, vous savez, parce que: nous avons une mentalité avec ma sœur. Nous n'avons jamais demander à quelqu'un pour un projet, ou quelque chose comme ça. Tout le temps nous répondre aux demandes.

Ellen Christine: Il me semble que, peu importe le rôle que vous faites, vous êtes toujours en pointe. Dans le temps, a l'epoque, politiquement. D'une certaine manière de gérerà choisir des rôles qui sont si parfaites pour l'époque et et que le temps de l'année, et dans le monde. Comment choisissez-vous vos rôles?

Roberto Alagna: Je dois être en amour avec les roles et avec la musique. Je dois être dans l'amour. Quand je suis amoureux, je viens de profiter tant à rester sur scène pour chanter la musique, tout vient naturellement et parce que j'aime chanter, c'est ma vie.J'ai chanté toute ma vie.

Ellen Christine: Tu aimes à mourir, aussi!

Roberto Alagna: Parce que, je aime mourir parce que je sais quand je mourrai, je sais après je vais à nouveau éveillé. Je n'aime pas mourir pour jamais, mais sur scène, vous le savez, parce que c'est très émouvant. J'adore ça.

Ellen Christine: A propos du film sur Wagner?

Roberto Alagna: C'est un film très étrange, car en fait, je pense que ces gens, je pense que le producteur, n'a pas d'argent. Et tout le temps qu'il m'a appelé pour me faire une autre scène, et une autre scène. Et je ne sais pas ce qui s'est passé. Il m'a demandé de faire en premier, c'était juste une apparition , et après qu'ils ont fait une autre scène, et maintenant un autre. En fait, je ne sais pas, j'ai filmé peut-être une demi-heure du film ... je ne sais pas si ils vont faire quelque chose avec cela, mais ...

Ellen: Nous l'espérons, parce qu'elle était belle

Roberto Alagna: J'espère que non, parce que je ne sais pas si ce sera un bon film.

Ellen Christine: Nous n'avons pas de soins. Nous ne sommes pas des soins aussi longtemps que vous y êtes. Il peut être un bon film, il peut être un mauvais film, mais la pièce que vous étiez en était merveilleux ...il était évocateur.

Roberto Alagna: Vous savez, venir me voir à l'opéra. Il vaut mieux!

Ellen Christine: je fais, je fais tout le temps!Vous avez tous ces fans, je les appelle le cadre de français ... vous savez les francaises: Maraise, et Martine ... tout le monde vient vous voir.

Roberto Alagna: Vous savez qu'ils sont tellement bons. Ils viennent également lors de la tournée. Au cours de la tournée, il ya beaucoup de concerts (concerts petits). Ils sont tous les soirs la. C'est tellement émouvant de voir ça.

Ellen Christine: Nous sommes vos groupies!

Roberto Alagna: Ouais, ouais, mais vous savez,c'est plus que cela aujourd'hui. Je pense qu'aujourd'hui nous sommes de vrais amis. Ils savent que .... C'est bien.

Ellen Christine: Ils seront heureux de savoir parce qu'ils vous aiment et qu'ils aiment votre musique.Je vous remercie

Roberto: merci Ellen

original English transcription at: http://www.allny.com/blogs/fashion/

with the link to the video

thank you, Michele Peglau for the shot of Roberto backstage

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T10:27:00.000-08:00

And what a way to break in the new year, new move, new energy:

Italian Vogue cover, January, 2011.

Thank you Karl Templer, once again, for incredible shots of our hats. Thank you, Italian Vogue, for the cover!

Boaters rule: we're doing tiny ones, medium ones, and oversized ones. Just check out the trailer for the Real Housewives of New York: Alex McCord is wearing our Edwardian fantasy hat........it's the big black thing taking up the entire screen, in case you're wondering.

But that's in February. This is January, and we must revel in the moment of our Italian Vogue cover.

Happy New Year, all!

Remember that apointments can be booked now, using our phone (212-242-2457), or email (ellen@ellenchristine.com), for studio fittings, design consultation, and getting all of you hatless ones accessorized!

ellen christine chelsea says "Hello, soho"

2010-12-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

Here's our last window, just in time for the new snow. A celebration, a new beginning, with a Snow Queen to inspire and lead us into 2011. Ellen Christine Millinery is now in Soho. We've been there for 25 years, but now we're open to the public, not just to the designers, editors and stylists.
Whew, what a move. Days of boxes, and days of construction, and at some point, we'll be pretty enough for receiving guests again.

At the studio/loft/showroom in West soho, we are already booked through January for brides. Nothing deters the brides, boy. Nothing. And we thank them for their determination and undaunted spirit in search for the perfect headpiece and veil.

May we serve you all, with more fun, less agravation, many good vibes, and tea. Because here, we have a kitchen!

Appointments can be made via internet, or phone. We welcome all .

Thank you for your support, and may it be a year of blessings for us all!

Ellen Christine

99 Van Dam, 4E

212-242-2457

ellen@ellenchristine.com

Phot by Sandy Ramirez

Ellen Christine Millinery Moves Ahead

2010-12-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

New for the New Year:

With all of our collaborative efforts with designers, editors, and special projects with retail establishments , Ellen Christine finds it hard to be in two places at once. As a result of much deliberation, the retail shop in Chelsea will no longer be the place to come and be seen in our hats. Now, all of you who have wanted to see where the magic takes place, can come to the studio! As of December 31st, 2010.

A behind the scenes live experience better than backstage will now be available for our customers who have yet to see how it happens. Editors, stylists, and designers know the studio environment, but we will now be doing custom bridal, and fittings in the West Soho Ellen Christine Studio.

By merely dialing the same phone number and making an appointment, you can come up and see us in the midst of prepping the next collection. As a showroom, we will be available full-time for wholesale buyers, and to our retail customer , but now, the experience will be one-on-one.

We hope you are as excited as we are for the move, and the 2011 Spring Collection. We are nationally available at Henri Bendel, and hope to see you at one of our many appearances at the New York flagship store, on Fifth Avenue.

Call us for consultations, whether they be runway or anyway, and we’ll be happy to work with you as we have done for the last 3 decades. The 16 years at the Chelsea shop helped us bring hats to the forefront of fashion, and we hope to provide you with continued avantgarde millinery design.

Launching our showroom in Tokyo, thanks to the representation of Yagi Tsusho, will help us hat more heads. Henri Bendel awaits the Spring Collection, and through their 12 stores nationwide, cocktail hats and fascinators will rule.

Thank you for being a fan, and we hope to see you soon in Soho.

Ellen Christine Studio

99 Van Dam St.

Loft 4E

NYC, NY. 10013

212-242-2457

Meeting Roberto Alagna

2010-11-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

Somehow, in the 1960's, we all became groupies. We'd head backstage like detectives, seeking out our heroes of the rock music world, or the theatre world, or the poets of our young dreams. We'd stake out hotels, lobbies, even sometimes airports (remember the Beatles:::???!!!), to catch a glimpse of a mythic guitar player. Life was good. Backstage was where it was at. No waiting in lines at the front door, to get into a concert; we knew doormen, bouncers, body guards. We got in. It was a life behind the velvet ropes, all through the New York disco years, too. While the b&t hordes (that's bridge and tunnel to those who don't remember) flaunted polyester and gold chains to be admitted to the hallowed grounds of Studio 54, or some other club of reckoning, we tromped past the crush, with a wave to the doorman, and waltzed in. Everywhere. No lemmings we. Never followers, rather we forged ahead of the pack, and found an empty seat on a sagging sofa in the dressing room, and camped out with our heroes. While some were there for sex, others were just there to revel in the glory of the moment, and the glow of someone so talented that magic music emanated from their very souls. Ah, life was sweet.

On Monday night I had a flashback moment. A group of French opera lovers came over to see Don Carlo at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, with their much loved Roberto Alagna singing the star role. Apparently, they go everywhere to see his performances: Monte Carlo, Vienna, anywhere a plane, train, or car will take their Roberto- loving selves. Adorable, really. They're all friends from Facebook , so thank you! technology.

Imagine the Met, fraught all year with new construction, so that everything is in a different place. Finding the Stage Door, and sailing past the waiting fans was different, when in the wake of the French Cadre. They knew where, and how, and almost made it into the vestibule, when the guard couldn't find all their names on the list. My job, at that point, was to use all those years of groupie experience, and make it happen. As the translator (ahem), I informed the guard that they had flown all the way from France, and were friends of Roberto. Definitely not as much resistance as backstage with the Rolling Stones.

Roberto was in the vestibule , just in front of his dressing room, already showered, changed, dressed, and as charming as he could possibly be. The sea of short , frosted hairdos stretched in front of us, as we waited for our turn at the altar of Roberto. He , with Marcel (secretary, bodyguard, personal assistant,manager) by his side, talked to everyone. Signed everything. Posed for any and all pictures....Roberto is a one man pr firm, spreading good will and smiles to all.

Yes, I even got my picture taken with the sainted one.....and as soon as my friend downloads it and sends it to me, I'll get to relive that instant.

Not quite like the 70's, but pretty darn close, I'll tell you.

Poster thanks to my Facebook friend, Solange Van de Vyvere ,who graciously gave me permission to use this latest creation of hers.

The Thinking Man's Opera

2010-11-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

In the new production of Verdi's Don Carlo, the Metropolitan Opera has given New Yorkers what they love the most: an intellectual production. This current 5 hour long redux, lifted from the Royal Opera House (indeed, done as a co-production) offers the opera- going public something to chew on. With Simon Keenlyside, reprising his astounding Rodrigo, and the darling of the opera world, Roberto Alagna, interpreting Carlo, the musicality of this Italian version is firmly entrenched. Although Roberto Alagna has said that it took Peter Gelb a few years to convince him to do the role, we are so very happy (thank you, Mr. Gelb!) that he finally agreed. Perhaps a bit strenuous on his lyrical tenor voice, the role of Carlo gives Mr. Alagna an opportunity to sing outside of the aria clad formulae of other Verdi scores. The sweeping, poignant orchestration gives bent to the character of the princeling, fueling his destiny and carrying him to the end. The end, of course, wait for it: his dying onstage. Our Roberto does a really, really good death scene. (Carmen, for instance).

The grandeur of the Met's stage is used for immense soaring columns, and an awe inspiring tomb of Charlemagne, but not as well put to use for the poetic opening scene in the forest of Fontainbleu. This is where the girlish Elisabetta (Marina Poplavskaya) falls in love with the dashing and charming Carlo, and should add a bit less of austere to the mood at hand. Okay, so we're put upon from the onset to grasp the designer's intent.

Notwithstanding the rigors of the Inquisition, the time chosen for the historicity portrayed, the sets are not autocratic, but do leave a bit to be desired. What can I say: I'm a Zeffirelli kind of girl. The costumes give us that lush element, with Roberto in boots and pantaloons, and Marina in sweeping gowns that add the breath of color to the characters in play. As Philip II, Ferrucio Furlanetto grabs centerstage in an unprepossessing manner, using his superb bass notes to capture us and prove kingly, indeed. Once Elisabetta is wed to Philip instead of to Carlo, the new royal couple appears in bloodred garb, dipped in the raw essence of their time.

Ah, drama. Gotta love opera. Try and get a ticket. Immerse yourself in this magnificent production at the Met,and revel in the Don Carlo moment. It's history, truly, made flesh.

Time to Start Shopping for a Hat

2010-11-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

Spring is designed, and will be available any minute now. Good thing, since Kate and Wills have announced the inevitable, and are now planning for a Spring/Summer wedding. And oh, does Kate love her hats. If you're going to the wedding, MUST HAVE HAT. So start now, or else the Kentucky Derby ladies will knock you out of the park.

Kate Middleton has been seen wearing leather hats, fur hats, felt hats, but the British millinery "industry" has lately reported that 85% of their sales are "fascinators" . See Kate in lots of those little sprightly, feathery things? That's a fascinator. America is catching up, so you can find a fabulous bit of frippery over here in the colonies now. Ellen Christine Millinery introduced them a while ago, and has been concocting high ones, low ones, wide ones, and yes, even occasionally, a flat one, for over a decade. We advise our clients to shop for the hat first, and work your way down to the rest of the wardrobe with hat in hand. The hat will be the primo inspiration for the ensemble, and help you to get a handle on a mood. It will help create the magic of the moment, and make the search for the perfect dress so much easier.

Henri Bendel Christmas

2010-11-11T16:17:00.000-08:00

Henri Bendel, at their flagship Fifth Avenue store, has just unveiled their Christmas windows. Seasonal decoration is a big, big deal in New York City, and attracts thousands of tourists year after year, who come to look, open-mouthed, at the gorgeous displays.

This year, George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" is the theme for the fantasy, and today is the premiere of the windows!

All throughout the store, there are decorations that astound! On the main floor, amid the cosmetics and potions that help make a girl a girl, is our display.

Seated high atop an ostrich is a fair damsel, wearing an Ellen Christine Millinery riding hat. Her twin sits across from her. All in white, in fairy princess mode, and ready to come alive at any moment, the mannequins watch, and ponder the Christmas crowds at Bendel's.

Come and see our girls!

Kooky Chic with Ellen Christine

2010-11-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Glamour Magazine's 20th Anniversary Issue is a whopper. Two decades of "Women of the Year" alone would make this a collectible issue, with Julia Roberts, Donatella Versace, and Cher named among the title holders. But it's the December issue, too, so every page reads glossy, colorful, exciting ,fashion. And advice. Glamour has become one of the leading young ladies' advice mags, with tips for man-handling (how to handle that guy), make-up sessions (hot new colors for the face, what else?)and not left behind, fashion.

Ellen Christine Millinery made it onto page 136, in a line-up called: "How to do the New Kooky Chic". Of course we did. A headband we designed just for this issue, in hot, hot pink felt, can be found exclusively in the Chelsea store. One of our favorite editors, Anna Dello Russo, was cited as an example in the spread, so we couldn't be happier.

It's a headband, it's a cocktail hat, it's a memory maker, indeed. come and get it!

And thank you, Glamour, and Conde Nast! We love this issue!

Glamour's Anniversary Issue

2010-11-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

We did Elle Magazine, and Ebony, both for their star-studded celeb filled anniversary issues this year! And now, we're in the pages of Glamour Magazine's 20th Anniversary Special Issue. run and buy this one, people.

How it happened: Buki came to us with a story, and asked for a selection of pieces that would work. The operative word was : "kooky". Not far from the center of my universe, that. He came to the shop and we reviewed a colorful selection of possibilities. They all went back with him to the magazine, and got shot. As in shoot. For the story. No guns involved.

They chose one of the headbands! A wild little looping of felt, mounted on wire, and a base...all placed neatly on a comfortable headband for your accessoried pleasure. We did one in black, as well, but the story ran the hot pink. what a wow piece! Light up any outfit, or holiday room with this little showstopper,and you'll start to shop just for the headpiece to go out more.

Here in the Chelsea store, we have variations, covered in rhinestones, too! Sparkle plenty, and love every minute of the spotlight.

Ellen Christine at Henri Bendel Fifth Avenue

2010-11-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

Henri Bendel is in the midst of it's Friends and Family sale. Now you, fond reader, can take advantage of this, and run up to Fifth Avenue and shop. Just until Sunday. Oh, and on Sunday morning, I'll be there to fit your hats and chat.

the Big Boys of Opera

2010-11-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

Four of the world's favorite operatic talents sat down on Monday to discuss the Met's new production of Don Carlo. The conductor, Yannek Nezet-Seguin, the bass, Ferrucio Furlanetto, the baritone, Simon Keenlyside, and the tenor, Roberto Alagna.

As a diehard Roberto fan, I was there to hear about the production, and to see how Roberto kibitzed in person.

At the outset, Sarah Billinghurst warned the audience that Roberto would be recording "La Navarraise" in the evening, and so would not be speaking so much. Ms. Billinghurst moderated the panel discussion, and we watched, listened, laughed, and enjoyed the scintillating repartee of these four. Each of the gentlemen were asked a question, and they all answered, sometimes all at once. Roberto is a card, and jokes at every given opportunity in a charmingly accented English. Apparently he and Simon have a running joke between them, and it made the conversation sparkle. And Roberto chimed in whenever he could, happy to be part of the bantering, and not at all worried about his voice.

Ms. Billinghurst asked about their preference in language (this new Don Carlo is mounted in Italian, but the original was written in French). Roberto proposes that the French is more romantic, and the Italian more dramatic.

When asked about this performance (he hasn't played the role since he was 32) Roberto mentioned that Peter Gelb wouldn't take no for an answer, that he wanted him to play Don Carlo, and so he learned the score in just two days. That became one of the running jokes. r Gelb practically met him with a piano player at the airport, and installed in NYC just two days ago, he got the part down.

When the questions circled around the different acting requirements of the various roles of this very deep play, the performers all had something to say. Mr. Furlanetto replied that the voice of the character comes from the mental sphere, but the capability of performing their parts comes from the ability to act...

Roberto feels that the characters themselves are all prepared within the orchestration. It's Verdi's composition that clarifies the roles, and with the addition of a clarinet, or a basson, so many layers are revealed.

All four men are deeply intellectual about their craft, and probably, about life itself. Not a chance went by to turn a pretty phrase, or add a bit of psychology to the insight. Simon noted that life is just like art, and the beauty is in the details.

We all have to "find the right color", as Simon says.

Don Carlo will be at the Met through January, and in December, the HD version will be broadcast in theatres around the world.

New York Magazine Credit

2010-10-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

When the New York Magazine planned on doing a shot of the women of Almodovar's "Women on the Verge", they called around for "pillbox" hats for the shoot. This is an example of how history happens, hat lovers.

What we call a pillbox, is of course, a real deal, invented eons ago, but made ever so popular by Halston's winning design for Jackie Kennedy when she was Madame Mrs. President. The pillbox, oft seen in Turkish references, and Victorian libraries (men wore them as "smoking" caps, to keep the smell of cigar smoke from their Macassar oil-slicked hair), has now become a word with many meanings. As is the wont of the fashion press, invention is the mother of necessity, and the word becomes the reality as per job requirement. A pillbox to the young set may now seem to be a smallish, head-hugging anything of a cute little hat, with or sans veil. Whether it be the shape that gave it it's name, or the contemporary translation of the concept, little hats have made their mark and their comeback!

Look out world!

Roberto Alagna in the House

2010-10-26T07:32:00.001-07:00

Carnegie Hall hosted the Opera Orchestra of New York last night, with a back to back performance of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and Massenet's La Navarraise. Celebrated as two of the naturalist/verismo operas, these pieces demand dramatic presentation. With a full orchestra,and the New York Choral Society behind them, the singers gave good drama. Led by Maestro Alberto Veronese, a star roster of operatic talent dealt a strong hand of soaring notes, full-bodied duets. Roberto Alagna sang Turiddu from Cavalleria, and Araquil in the darker Navarraise.

His diva in the Mascagni was Maria Guleghina, well-known in New York from her appearances at the Metropolitan Opera. Joined by Mignon Dunn, Carlos Almaguer and Krysty Swann, the performance was as lyrical as the composer could have wished. The brilliance of the conductor's sweeping control, and the scintillating addition of the Choral created a mood in the house of poetic artistry.

The Massenet, written after the huge success of Cavalleria, stirs the emotions on a different level. At Carnegie Hall, supplemental musicians were placed high above the audience, to infuse a sense of the military background, and it worked. Alagna again joins a stellar group, with Elina Garanca (his Carmen at the Met) singing the title role. Ildar Abdrazakov, handsome and commanding, sang the part of Garrido, the General. The cast was balanced with: Issachah Savage, Brian Kontes, and Michael Anthony McGee.

At the stage door, like good New York groupies, we got no glimpse of Robertino. He had left by the main entrance, leaving us waiting until the next time. Just like a man.

Boutique Week

2010-10-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

This is something new for us, since we never have sales. At least not to the public. Boutique Week is the brainchild of two business school graduates, who are helping to raise the visibility of small shops across the country. By hyping a week long event in LA and New York, as well as select other cities, retail should get a much needed shot in the arm. Making it just pre-Halloween puts everyone into a party mood. Making it post-Fashion's Night Out carries along the theme of shopping, enjoying what the season's fashion houses have to offer, and celebrates current trends.

Ellen Christine Millinery was invited to participate, and will be offering a 25% discount on inhouse merchandise. We can't offer the discount for custom orders, or alterations, or online merchandise.

The idea is to get the public (who may not know us and our fabulous headwear)into the store, and let them meet me in person.

On board, everyone! Go to www.BoutiqueWeek.net, sign on, get the code, ad come shopping. We've been working to fill in the inventory with sexy cloche hats, fabulous large brims, and fedoras in sizes for men and women. Those of you who know us know we work in beaver and fur felts, and make our hats by hand. These are the hats seen in Vogue, Glamour, W Magazine, Ebony, Elle, Marie Claire, and are all exclusive to our shop.

October 24-30.......a whole week to save.

Ebony's Anniversary Issue

2010-10-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

Mario Wilson is a stylist that we've worked with for a decade or more. When he got the Ebony Anniversary Issue storyboard, he called Ellen Christine Millinery for hats.

The editors had an idea that would re-create covers from the Ebony archives: Lena Horne, Diana Ross, Dorothy Dandridge among the icons portrayed. Using contemporary, well-loved stars, the covers would commemorate the cultural history that these artists have given the world.

The cover that captured one moment of Lena Horne (she graced quite a few covers) was styled with a huge draped hat, that reminded me of Christian Dior. Mario asked us to do a modern version that would fill the page, work that glorious color, and accent the beauty of Jurnee Smollett, from The Defenders. With the tiny timeframe (not unusual in the fashion world) we had to do the hat, we chose one of our sculptured hats as a design base,and dyed the material to match Miss Horne's hat. Tell us, did it work for you?

For Miss Diana Ross, Lady Day herself, the pose chosen worked a sequinned beret, surrounded by ostrich plumes. We made a beaded beret/cocktail hat, embroidered by hand with crystals, rhinestones (Swarovski), and pearls on a lace base to capture the richness of the moment.

This is definitely an issue to own.

Rude Milliners

2010-10-15T09:38:00.001-07:00

Oh, yes, that's me! I just fled from a mindless comment, and she probably thought I was being rude. Believe me, if I had stayed, I'd have been really rude. Sigh. In the holy days of glorious black and white movies, the salesgirls were always polite , unless it was someone like Crystal, in "The Women". She was rude, but then, she was a scripted character, played by Joan Crawford. Joan Crawford was a strong character with or without a script, if we believe the lore of Hollywood gossip.

But here in my little shop, I stand along, with no script, with just my mouth to defend me. Sigh.

If you, the total, hatless stranger, walks in and says: "I hate hats".......what can you really expect me to say??? If you walk in and say" You're probably too expensive"........what can you really expect me to say?????

Or: "Hats look terrible on me".......commmmeeeeee onnnnnnn.

Me, the mouth. Of course I'm going to say something like: So, it's a hat shop, why are you here?

Yes, we are expensive, but we try to accomodate. No, our hats aren't made in the united republic of starving orphans and widows who work for .25 a week. No, we don't glue, paste, varnish, and otherwise turn into plastic, the things some people call hats. No, we don't have enough inventory. Sorry.....Macy's is in the other direction. Loehman's is on 7th Avenue. H&M isn't on this block.

Sometimes I take the time to explain the veritable glories of handmade hats. And sometimes I don't.

Please, hat shoppers, take pity on us. those of us who make our own product beg you to be thoughtful, kind, reflective, and not blurt out the first thing that you think when you walk in. Think first, and then talk.

And let those of us who know our craft handle your hat problems.

Oh, and if I'm insulting you please feel free to banter back. I love a good witty exchange.

Hats Need Shoes

2010-10-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

If a girl has a new hat, what's the next thing that will spark up an outfit, and perk up her mood? New shoes! It's all investment shopping, of course, with an eye to the practical, and yet fulfills the shopping need. New shoes can change your mood, much as a new hat can, while saying to the world that your style isn't about old, worn, scuffed boots every single day. Of course, if they have a distressed look to the leather, and yet are brand, spanking new, it's the marriage of two worlds. Handmade shoes, meant for walking, in this crazy burg of ours, New York,can be a blessing.

There's a little shop in Nolita: Shoe, that can go down that checklist for you and supply men and women with hot new style on the feet. Pumps, boots, sandals......very, very cool looking shoes.

Trust me, I've been a shoe-aholic since I was a wee tot.

Look for a great walk-through of the store by Lisa Staples on :Localboutique.com, a portal for you guessed it: local boutiques!

Polo MUST Hats!

2010-10-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

Translation: there's a Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in LA on this Sunday, and in keeping with the spirit of the Hollywood heros and heroines who fancied Polo in their heyday, hat wearing is de rigeur. The press push is for 1920's and 1930's, so that the last remaining Polo field in Hollywod resounds with the hooves of the horses, and the cheers of brilliantly clad folk.

For fashion lovers everywhere, the Henri Bendel stores now carry the Henri Bendel Cocktail Hat Collection by Ellen Christine Millinery, well within the mood of the moment. By taking the fast track to the Beverly Center, (http://www.beverlycenter.com/directory/henri_bendel), you can own one of these handmade fascinators for stepping out to the Polo fields, and beyond.

Don't Cover that Hat In Meat, Sir

2010-09-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, this Walmart shopper isn't considering a male version of Lady Gaga's ignominious flank steak ensemble. His hat is already covered in everything in his collection. And, by the way, Walmart shoppers, this is NOT millinery. To buy a pre-formed hat, to cover a hat, to glue things onto a hat is NOT millinery. To buy existing shapes, and float tiny plastic race horses on it is NOT millinery. And, slapping a steak on your head and calling it a hat is definitely NOT millinery.

Oh, sure, it's something on the head, and by definition, it's a hat. I cringe. I shudder. I suffer the angst of lost glue guns. But millinery it is NOT.

Drape, fold, pleat, stitch, block.......this is millinery. Wired, edged, fringed, feathered, ribboned......this is millinery. Bead, swirl, veil........this is millinery. It's an art form, to most of us. It's an expression of our inner architect. Production designer. Interior decorator. Florist. Event planner. Costume designer. Musician.

Our work takes ingenuity, and technique. It takes patience, and concept. It takes flow and rhythm. It's the sum total of all we learned in art school, design school, graduate school.

All in one little hat.

Photo courtesy of People of Walmart.com (Thank you, Grayson Handy, for the intro to this dubious expression of popular american fashion)

Fashion Week spring 2011

2010-09-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

Pardon me, I've gotten eaten alive by FNO and Fashion Week, NYC ....

We launched the new Henri Bendel Cocktail Hat Collection by Ellen Christine Millinery on Fashion's Night Out, at the New York City HB Flagship store......with Ellen Christine in attendance. O, wot a nite! But we lived to tell about it!

Malan Breton invited Ellen Christine Millinery to do the hats for his Spring 2011 collections. And we lived through that, too. Life Magazine published an extraordinary shot of one of our Lace Garden Hats, so perfect for Malan's 1930's slinky gown.

AND, we participated in The Milliners Guild S/S 2011 Hat Collection Show, for The Green Shows, at The Metropolitan Pavilion. We lived through that , too.

These were all in the space of 5 days, and for those of you who do not know about NYC lifestyles......rev your engines. It's do, do, and do it again, for days on end. What fun!

I'll write about each individual event at length, so follow our blog, and keep up with the pace.

ChicTiq Event

2010-09-01T15:43:00.001-07:00

Roberto Alagna Time!

2010-08-29T10:13:00.001-07:00

to get us completely psyched for the 1010-1011 opera season at the Metropolitan, the Met has now begun it's outdoor DVD extravaganza. Easy: get to Lincloln Center, and grab a seat early. Bring a picnic lunch/snack/bottle of champagne, and get set to enjoy another superbly performed opera on the biggest screen you could hope for. The Met has been programming these video recordings of their latest season for a few years now, in cinemas around the country. Last summer, they instigated this glorious festival so we could all enjoy opera under the stars. No, it's not live, but the performers are the stellar line-up we all know and love. Contemporary operas, new productions, and old favorites are among the selection from last season.

Last night, the festival kicked off with Karita Mattila in Tosca. Monday night it's Renee Fleming in Der Rosenkavalier. And HOORAY, on September 6th, Labor Day evening, it will be our beloved Roberto Alagna in the new production of Carmen.

It's not the same as being in the Opera house itself. It's not the same as seeing it at the movies, with the intermission interviews. But it's wonderful. It's huge. And it's the Met!!!

See you up there!

Hats off to Queens!

2010-08-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

Invited to a huge party at The Astoria World Manor, we found ourselves in the heart of kitschy Queens. I've never seen the Sopranos, or Gossip Girl, or even the American version of Ugly Betty, so I wasn't privvy to the glorious layout of this renowned banquet hall.

I grew up in the 1950's, just a nip and tuck outside of Philly, so hanging chandeliers, dripping plastic fountains, and artificial greens were the mainstay of many a lounge, foyer, restaurant, and banquet hall. It's comforting, in a way, to know that this atmosphere still exists, and we can revel in the tackiness of it all. The Astoria World Manor has endless rooms, hallways, floors, stairs, doorways...........so much crystal it could be in New Jersey. Dripping with chique, it envelops you in a blanket of festivity.

No snobbery here. No superficial insecurities. Just people having a good time. Down the hall from our party was a wedding. I know this because we asked, because it looked like a cross between Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day in there.....plastic (gold) fedoras and derbies are apparently now the de rigeur party favor at these affairs. Gold leis adorned the men, and women.

Far be it from me to offer these comments as a criticism. As an anthropological experience, there isn't much better. You gotta love the whole reality show of it.

Our party was a "Reminiscence" for a woman who was an important milliner in her 94 years in the Harlem community: Mother Mays. Her fellow style finders and fans convened in a sparkling room , and celebrated her many facets with a fashion show,( hats by Ellen Christine Millinery), music, dancing, and more food than anyone in there could eat. An endless bar, and cheerful fellowship made the evening speed along. May I note that only one other person had a hat on besides myself, and my friend, Marie. So much for being fans of millinery........what does it take???!!!! It was the perfect place to wear a hat, ladies. Wotup?

By the way, if you should find yourself in the Manor, ask for Patrick as your bartender. The servers are all brilliant, but he will go out of his way to concoct something interesting.

Forbes Gets The Hat Trick

2010-08-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0830/life-fashion-toppers-cloche-bowler-hat-tricks.html

In an article in this month's Forbes Magazine (see online link above), writer Hannah Elliot mentions the wave of hat popularity that is sweeping the nation. Since we gabbed with her for an hour or more, we were happy to see her upbeat piece. AND all the lovely pictures that Forbes ran of our lovely hats, including the now famous Moet Bowler, of course.

Thank you, Hannah! Did I mention that my great grandfather was "Forbes"???? Not one of those, mind you, or at least I don't think so.........

Panama Hat

2010-08-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

As the last fragments of summer waft past our eyes, and the school year becomes more than a far away dream, spring 2011 is on every milliner's mind. We design now for next year, as with all fashion, and fashion presentation, it is done 6 months in advance.

This past season, we all had problems with materials coming out of Ecuador. Because of earthquakes and climate changes, the toquilla palm growth wasn't up to par, and orders for panama hats got backed up. We've just heard of another earthquake in Ecuador, so we're keepingour fingers crossed for the ingenious weavers of Montecristi, and every other village there, where they make our elusive bodies for hats.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRia8pZTorw&feature=player_embedded

Here's to Spring 2011!! May our market expand, and may every head in NYC be wearing a hat!

sigh. a girl can dream, can't she?

Restorative Hat Works

2010-08-07T07:52:00.001-07:00

When in doubt about your favorite hat, don't throw it away...ask a friendly milliner if it can be saved.

One of my favorite customers brought back a superb Montecristi extra super fino from South America . These hats are very, very expensive, and finely woven to perfection by craftsmen in one tiny village in Ecuador. When you have one, you prize it. A favorite of the Duke of Windsor, Winston Churchill, and FDR, the Montecristi is as close as you can get to hat heaven for a man.

So my customer was hanging out with his ladyfriend, and her dog decided that his hat was fair game, and a new toy. So off went the dog , bounding and leaping,to the lake, hat in mouth, happy as a clam in a mudhole. Believe it or not, the weave held up, but the hat did need to be reblocked. Worry, worry worry, but no need to fret: we were able to restore the original shape, and give him his hat back, whole, and now with a happy history.

The morale of the story is this: you'd be surprised at what can (and cannot) be restored. In the vintage world I frequently inhabit, hundreds of antique , dusty, moldy, misshapen hats have passed through my hands. Truth be told, this is how I learned to make a proper couture hat.....by restoring hundreds, literally, of vintage hats to their former glory.

Bring us your hat, and we will tell you yay or nay, but don't throw it out until you know your old standby can be saved!!!

More My Fair Wedding

2010-08-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

We don't often get follow-up from our celebrity shoots, but the staff at David Tutera is extra kind, and super efficient: here are two shots from the show currently running in this season's episodes.

The Gatsby Bride, our lovely Kimberly, is shown from the side. The beading on the lace cap is just showing here; the detacheable feather ornament is on her right side, away from the camera.

The bridesmaids wore irridescent peacock feather headpieces in their hair. We designed them so they could sit high, or low.

Watch the episode for more of the fun....she was a very special bride, and more so because she was one of mine.

David Tutera's "My Fair Wedding", on WEtv

French Revue

2010-08-04T12:43:00.001-07:00

We got the cover of FRENCH!

Thanks to the intriguing styling of Marcell Rocha, and the dead-on photography by:
Thierry Le Goues, both Coco Rocha and Yulia Vasiltosova shine on the day-glo spring covers of this hip French fashion magazine.
It's the new darling of the make-up people in town. It's got new, it's got hip, it reminds me of a gallery stream of images.

Pick it up at a specialty newstand now: #16 printemps/ete 2010.

Vogue Steam Heat

2010-07-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Steven Meisel photographed a story called: "Universal Coverage", to tell a coat story. With coats come hats, at least in my world.....and Ellen Christine Millinery contributed a little navy wool cap to the layout. The setting is a glamorous forest, and indeed looks like a set, it's so magical.
The coats are fantasmajorical combinations of texture and textile, with Sasha Pivovarova modeling in languid poses. Styled by Marie-Amelie Sauve, the story is a wealth of brocades, prints, knits, fur and rich metallics. Gorgeous shoot, and we are so happy to be included in it........you'll want every coat!

O Hatty Day

2010-07-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

The American Cancer Society recommends "2-3 inch brims", to shield your lovely features from harmful UV rays, as a preventative proactive step in protection. We advise our clients to step outside in the sun,and give it a test, granted the sun is shining,and you have an outside they can step into.

Although straw isn't the material of choice for the AMA/ACS, we recommend certain straws because we don't like synthetics. Our hats can be lined upon request, and there are very tightly woven straws on the market that allow breathability, as well as protection, as key elements.

The most important element to us in a hat is that it looks fabulous on the wearer. Every face has a hat, in spite of what the common train of thought may be. Not every store has every shape, proportion, style, color, material, so it's not easy to track that one perfect hat down.

Remember that some faces work best with an "architectural" shape: more squared off, not rounded on the crown.

Hat styles aren't universal, but their lot in life certainly is: to protect us from the elements, and/or to help us look sensational. there are thousands of hats out there, people, so make it a goal: go get a hat today!

Photo courtesy of: everydayhealth.com

The Milliners Guild of NYC/Bastille Day II

2010-07-10T18:18:00.001-07:00

The Milliners Guild

Invites you, your friends and family to

Join our Second Annual

Bastille Day Celebration

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Programme:

7:00 PM – Assemble at Bar Suzette Creperie

Chelsea Market

425 west 15th street

Drinks and full menu available

8:00 PM – Highline Promenade millabout

9:00 PM – “Chapeau Formidable” Award

9:15 PM –cocktails on the Terrace

Standard Hotel on the highline

48 Washington at 13th Street

r.s.v.p.

millinersguild@hotmail.com

Veuve Clicquot Hats Off!

2010-07-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Hats and the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic go together like Princes and Polo ponies. The estimated 12,000 plus crowd on Sunday's Governor's Island match between Black Watch (Nacho Figueras et cie) and Black Rock (Prince Harry and co) were extremely happy for their hats in the heat of the day. The temperatures rose, but the breezes held back, so to cover heads, horses, and happy picnickers, umbrellas floated in the Veuve Clicquot yellow along with the tented areas reserved for the very VIPs who came over on their launches and ferries.

Movie stars, celebrities local, international, and hitherto overlooked regaled each other and the hordes of press who came to shoot the wealthy and the fans who cheered on the teams from the newly improved sidelines. The $50,000 tables were full, the $250 picnic tickets were sold out days before the event, and the bleachers were stacked with freebies. Ferries from Manhattan and Brooklyn came and went all the day, with crowds not so used to having a Royal on their very home turf.

The hats made the scene, but by and large, Americans don't yet dare to outdo the Ascot crowds of England's horsey set. We tend to stay safe, so lots of practical, pretty, and sane headgear made it's way to Governor's Island. Yes, off in the crowded tent I did see a Phillip Treacy butterfly hat, and a red satin satellite. Lots of Ellen Christine out there, too, but we haven't beaten them yet. On the hat front, that is. Nacho did beat Prince Harry this year, in a 3 1/2 minute overtime.

The horses kept their sleek haunches in tight formation, as the game kept it's pace with the expectation of the crowd. Dust rose as the riders swung their mallets, and forced the Veuve Clicquot signature ball back and forth across the greensward. At the divot stomping break, the public gamely joined the tradition of milling about and crowing about the Prince, while settling the erstwhile clump back into it's manicured place. Excitement mounted when Prince Harry took a headover tumble, and Black Watch may have suffered because of that fall, even if the young Prince did not.

A day in the sun, with a Prince on an island, surrounded by happy, familiar folk and lots and lots of champagne. Ah, life.

Sentebale was the recipient of this good will, and hopefully the charity, dear to Prince Harry's heart, benefitted enormously from the souvenir sales, the gate, and the publicity.

Champagne flowed, the hoi-polloi mingled with the corporate, and the day was a glorious exercise in American:"See-What-We-Can-Do?!".

Thank you, Veuve Clicquot. I'm already planning my hat for next year!

And thank you, Mario Diab, for making me beautiful all day long.

photo courtesy of Veuve Clicquot

Princes and Polo Ponies

2010-07-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Champagne flowed, the hoi-polloi mingled with the corporate, and the day was a glorious exercise in :"See-What-We-Can-Do?".

Thank you, Veuve Clicquot. I'm already planning my hat for next year!

Last Call for Hat Stack

2010-06-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well, hello, and here we go.tomorrow is the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. With the entire world gone mad for the World Cup, sports awareness is at an hormonal high, and all the world is watching. Us, that is, at the VCPC, on Governor's Island. Prince Harry is coming, Prince Seeiso is coming, and a raft (really a VIP Ferry) full of celebrities are sure to drop by.

No stranger to last minute requests, at Ellen Christine Millinery,we are frantically hatting it up until the last possible second this evening. Celebrities? Done! President of Belvedere? Done!

Host Chair Committee? Done!

From the sound of things, hats are flying off shelves all over town, and it will be the definitive hat occasion in New York City Social Circles!

Finally, something for everyone........with champagne...how much better can this get, o hatted ones?

We start off our very full day tomorrow with an appearance on Weekend Today New York, doing a hat beat, and setting the scene for the event. What to wear? What hat?

Join the fun, come to Governor's Island tomorrow, and for God's sake, wear a fabulous hat!

My Fair Wedding : New Season

2010-06-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday night, Ellen Christine Millinery shows up on David Tutera's My Fair Wedding at 10 p.m., We TV. That's the plug....here's the story:

Out of the blue, we got a call from a producer for the show. We had worked with David Tutera, when we did the headpieces for his runway show last season. so now, the question was, do we want to do a segment on My Fair Weddings?

As any good ham knows, we never turn down an opportunity to be out there, although I'm basically a behind the scenes kind of gal. So the wheels were set in motion, and the adventure began.

The day of the shoot, the crew arrived, set up,moved, moved again, re-arranged, and set up yet again, to have the scene ready. Our gig was to present three options for the Bride in the story, and our Bride wanted fantasy glamour vintage...1920's, to be precise. So we offered them a variety of styles from the era, with modern twists.

Everyone who knows Ellen Christine , know we are the Flapper destination, (see our editorial layouts in Vogue, Sept 2007, and May 2010).

History is our thing.

David arrived, dapper gentleman that he is; Bride arrived, all a-flutter and excited; shooting commenced. And it was in the can after a few hours. There are a few out-takes that should show up on a blooper program somewhere, but I'll be they won't! Something funny always happens on set. Now it's up to you to tell me what you think of the episode....on Monday!

I'll let you all watch the episode to see what we came up with, and what an incredible wedding David produced out of his hat for this couple!

CBS Does Hat Day

2010-06-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

It's hat now or never, sun worshippers! To promote National Hat Day in the Sun, CBS morning show on Tuesday has invited the Milliners Guild of New York and the Headwear Association to the plaza outside the CBS morning tv show, to distribute hats and to show our wacky and wild strength in numbers.

Be there, or be watching and let the television nation know we mean hat business.

7-8 a.m. of course! 59th and 5th Avenue, next to the Apple Store

Head 'Em Up

2010-06-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

Crushed into a corner giving interview after interview is not the worst thing, really. If you're out on a New York Street, surrounded by our little garden at Ellen Christine Millinery, with the sun high, and the temperature just right, it's fun. Just me and my dead bird (the one on my hat), giving forth, expounding upon the glories of hat wearing,and the excitement being generated for the upcoming Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.

The rooms that comprise the shop and atelier filled with hat lovers, press, and lots of champagne, thanks to Veuve Clicquot. A glass in one hand, and a hat in the other is my idea of heaven!

When lots of different styles surround you, it happens: you want to try things on that your head has never been near in its life. Hats happen, and the ice begins to crack. Ah, Spring! Ah, Summer!

Ah, The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic! Here we come!

In the photo: unabashed fans: Lisa Weier, from Conde Nast Traveler, Samantha Barnes, from Veuve Clicquot, and Linda Zagaria, long time friend and client

Photo by: Sebastien Moraitis

Fascinatin' Rhythm

2010-06-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Do it up like Fred and Ginger (for those unfamiliar with that segment of popular culture: Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers), in a whirlwind air of Art Deco. Wear a twist of silk, cultivated with a feather and a mysterious drape of a veil, and you have a headpiece.

The fascinator, or it's younger sister, the Bonbon, holds it's own amongst the broadbrimmed hats of the serious hat aficionadas. Presuming that's all on a female head, of course. The French Bibi, and the Calot, widely known in the 1930's, but left un-named pretty much nowadays by the younger set, fit into the fascinator category as well. Smallish, appropriate at a cocktail party, or the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, the Bibi can be charming, fetching, and even regal, should it be covered in rhinestones. The Calot, or half-hat, serves a dual purpose: covering the crown of the head for religious and/or Royal Enclosure rules of respect purposes, it can be treated as a headband, and worn much the same way. Often seen on the heads of glamourous movie stars in the 1950's (Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe) at their watering holes of yore, the Calot was a horse of many colors. Draped in fabric to match an ensemble, or a contrasting textile, it could be beaded, feathered, veiled. It could go to a wedding, or on a yacht. Usually flat, and a tad subtle, the Calot was very well behaved.

Get to know some of these little hats, and let them introduce you to their big sisters.

Pony Up for Prince Harry

2010-06-02T10:14:00.001-07:00

The Prince is coming! The Prince is coming!

Just announced: Harry, Prince of Wales will be playing polo for his charity Sentebale at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on June 27th. This will be his second appearance on New York soil, and his second challenge to Nacho Figueras, Captain of the Black Watch Polo Team. Prince Harry led his Sentebale team to victory, adding a more resplendant note to the days festivities.

Now would be the time to choose your hat, with royalty in mind. Go big, go important, go decortive. Be bold, be brave,be ingenious. Choose a hat to boost your ego, to underline your personality. Let color be your inspiration, but stay with a black hat, if you're a timid soul. Feathers and flowers were born to adorn. Let them seduce you, and convince you that your hat can be your crowning glory for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, and stand tall amongst the celebrities that day.

the Making of a Hat du Jour

2010-06-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

No, we don't usually do "in-the-box" hats here at Ellen Christine Millinery. But once in a while, when I pull out some of the archival materials, I can't bring myself to cut them up. And so, the normal hats take up residence. We can't reproduce them, but we often have two or three of the same bodies (that's what you call the blank/raw material for making a brimmed hat), so if you miss one, you might get to see another one.

This little lady is a vintage, densely woven toyo, with a pc brim of 4" on it. I say pc because the American Cancer Society recommends a 4" brim for sun protection. We aim to please.

Although the straw starts out soft, with a bit of organic stiffening, it gains body. This particular style requires that format, to retain it's shape, and lady-like appearance.

The flower is a handmade composition made in the studios at Schmalberg, where we make our trims. Leaves, petals, branches, buds......whatever we don't make here, we make there. Now, that's a place to visit when you come to town. Put it on your list, and ask for Warren. He loves to show off his 19th Century machinery.

The flower is made to be removeable, for a wardrobe change. It's up to you.

See our other entries in "Hat du Jour" on :

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ellen-christine-Millinery/58203635099?ref=ts

Redirect that Hat Thought

2010-05-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

As an alternative to the large brim, high crown, well known silhouette in a hat is the "fascinator". Just a little bonbon of a hat, the fascinator seduces, flirts, and gives an option but still lends an air of festivity. Whether it be feather, flower or a cloud of tulle, this sidebar is most well known because of SJP. Her red carpet openings cause a stir,with her headpieces. They may be too much for most of the population, but there's a group of imaginative dames out there that can sport them with bravado and ease.

The headpiece category fill the bill for all age groups, from teenagers to stateswomen......a wisp or a wallop, tiny or gigantor, single feather or entire wing.....one bloom or the entire bouquet....these little darlings are the hottest things on the red carpet, and at all major social scenes.

Perfect for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, and any weddings you may have this summer, a bonbon is just enough to tempt the palate,and get you ready for the majors.

Win the Race with the Hat

2010-05-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Races in New York, c. 1908

Why not be one's self? That is the whole secret of a successful

appearance. If one is a greyhound,why try to look like a Pekingese?

Edith Sitwell, 1887-1964

When our Mothers were telling us to choose wisely, I'm sure they weren't talking about hats. But a hat will elevate, captivate, charm, entice and fascinate. The right hat sets off your architecture, framing your face and focuses on your eyes. The right hat makes the outfit, and the occasion.

Pretty as a princess, delicate as a flower, or right on trend, your image in a hat speaks volumes.

Help in choosing the right hat should never come from a girlfriend, unless she's a hat wearer. Underlying cattiness can come out at the worst possible moment,and hat shopping should be fun, and stress free.

Hats are like people: they come in all shapes and sizes. Even the most gorgeous on the wrong face just won't work.

Oval faces have it easy, since they can wear most anything. Long faces, rectangular or triangular, shouldn't opt for tall narrow hats. Round faces need to choose something besides a cloche or a bowler. Oh, and don't let your age get in the way, please. Our underlying bones tell the story, and make the hat work. Women of a certain age may tend to select more sophisticated styles, but individuality always remains the name of the hat game.

Best scenario: girl (or guy) goes into a shop where a vast selection of shapes, colors, and proportions are available to try on. Milliners are best, since we like to make so many different and crazy things. Department stores will stock mostly what's on trend. There's nothing wrong with buying trend, but not for every occasion on your social calendar.

Spread your wings,and experiment!

My Kingdom For a Horse

2010-05-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

So saith the Bard of England, in Richard III, not speaking of fashion of the turf, of course, but to save his own skin. Ah, Richard, ever the egomaniac.

For fashionables everywhere, whither a horse goeth, so goes high style. Breeders of thoroughbreds, fans of the track, and groupies of Nacho Figueras know that what you wear is as important as the horse that wins the day.

Valerie Steele, in her "Paris Fashion", says, as she spoke of Longchamp (the racetrack) in Paris:

"People were as interested in the contest of fashions as in the contest of horses on the turf."

Anglophiles in France were very interested in what the ladies were wearing to Ascot,and so the parade of fashion became a style competition. Designers sent their best dressed mannequins to the races, to preen before the well-heeled, and to take notes on what their competitors were creating. Clients of said designers planned their ensembles for months, ensuring their individuality, and spectacular turn-out. Hats, of course, were part and parcel of the tout. No one left the house without the proper chapeau: proper to their station, proper to their wardrobe, and proper to the occasion at hand.

Flaunting feathers that make bird-lovers cringe, bedecked in fanfreluches to die for, the ladies of every era made it their job to be fabulous while placing their bets.

Fashion is fun , and hats make it easier. Take it from one who knows.

Face it

2010-05-13T09:15:00.001-07:00

Facebook for Ellen Christine Millinery is a lifeline and an extension of our in-house reality. For those of you who haven't friended us yet, please feel free to go to: ellen christine Millinery for our store page. At Ellen Christine Millinery,(notice that change in spelling) we list most of the days ins and outs, ups and downs, press, moment-by-moment

Chelsea news, so feel free to friend us there, too.

------------------------------

The French kids are back! The It and mid-house team is onboard, and working their little brains on all of our projects. These are the interns who let me torture them every summer for months at a time, just so they can be involved in a real New York experience. Their first new project: Hat du Jour, on the ellen christine Millinery Facebook page.

These are for hats that appear in the mist of our imagination as we are working out ideas. I've always crossed over the collection border, and now we get to document it, albeit for a few months. In the Chelsea store, but not online, or in our lookbooks (yet), these hats arrive, live their lives, and get sold to perfect heads who love them and wear them with glee. Hats that may be part of the development process for our wholesale collections for Japan; hats that work out a theme, like "Voodoo" for Fall 2010. Hats that give us the freedom to design with our vintage materials, antique beading and textiles, and let the mind wander on another hat plane. Hats that our customer base requests, demands, or otherwise pesters me for.

all part of Ellen Christine Millinery, and now, out there for the general public to see.

So, the next best thing to visiting our store in Chelsea, and having a hat made just for you? Why, seeing exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces every day, in the warmth and comfort of your kitchen/office/bedroom/studio, that's what. Have fun seeing them now, and perhaps later, as they are born again, into a collection, or on a runway, or in the pages of a magazine.

Tell us your favorites, and have fun seeing them.......it's entirely at the discretion of Mika, from Paris, who is gracefully choosing and photographing these lovelies.

Marie Claire does Wonderland

2010-04-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

Some of these shoots get by me, and I don't get them up to you quickly. Forgive me, as I'm just one little girl.

Marie Claire did a "Wonderland" photo shoot, with contemporary fashion. Slightly Lori Goldstein old school in the look, but new to all of this generation, to be sure. We've been on the pages of Marie Claire frequently this year, and we love the new format.

Here's just one of several shots of Mia in this shoot.......check the link below for the entire story.

Use your imagination, and put looks together , high and low, casual and sparkly. don't let it all be Madonna-in-the-'80's, though......makd it your own, and bring a hat into the picture.

http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/articles/mia-wasikowska-wonderland-photoshoot

Hot on the Wire!

2010-04-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

HATS OFF TO THE RACES FOR THE 6^TH YEAR RUNNING

Rebecca Romijn wears exclusive GREY GOOSE® Kentucky Derby Hat to benefit diabetes research

MIAMI – GREY GOOSE®, the “World’s Best Tasting Vodka,” joins forces with renowned couture milliner, Ellen Christine, to create a one-of-a-kind hat to be worn exclusively at the 136^thrunning of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1^st at Churchill Downs.

Actress and model Rebecca Romijn will lend support by donning the custom-designed hat at the prestigious race. Best known for her roles as Mystique in the X-men movies and Alexis Meade in Ugly Betty, California native Rebecca Romijn, along with designer Ellen Christine, will autograph the exclusive hat and auction it on the Clothes Off Our Back website (www.clothesoffourback.org) from May 1^st through May 20^th. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit The Barnstable-Brown Foundation to support diabetes research.

Beginning May 2^nd, a collection of hats inspired by the original will also be available for retail at Ellen Christine Millinery for $465. 25% of the proceeds will support The Barnstable-Brown Foundation. The store is located at 255 West 18th Street in New York City. (212) 242-2457.

“The Kentucky Derby is considered the most prestigious horse race in the world and therefore a very important event for GREY GOOSE Vodka,” commented Shane M. Graber, vice president and brand managing director, GREY GOOSE Vodka. “We are proud to have Ms. Romijn–a woman with such presence, style, and elegance—working with the GREY GOOSE brand on such an exciting charitable endeavor.”

“I’m honored to wear the one-of-a-kind GREY GOOSE designer hat to the Kentucky Derby this season. Being able to support such an important cause and enjoy a fantastic day at the races is truly exciting,” remarked Romijn.

Critically acclaimed designer, Ellen Christine, is excited to bring her brilliant designs and inspiration to the creation of the GREY GOOSE hat for a good cause.

“We are designing a sophisticated picture hat for Rebecca that will complement her exquisite bone structure. The hat, made with horsehair and organic fibers in shades of white with hints of blue, will perfectly showcase the GREY GOOSE aesthetic,” said Ellen Christine.

In addition to the auction of the designer hat, Derby fans (21+) can enjoy the Run for the Roses cocktail which is the official GREY GOOSE Vodka cocktail served at the Kentucky Derby for the sixth year running. GREY GOOSE Run for the Roses is a refreshing alternative to the Mint Julep as well as a tasty libation to serve guests at any Kentucky Derby celebration.

GREY GOOSE® Run for the Roses

Vogue May 2010

2010-04-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

The flapper has always been the most popular hat silhouette in the shop: a little cloche, summer or winter, goes a long way in a girl's wardrobe.

Vogue has featured our hats in two very important 1920's stories: one, the September 2007 issue, shot at Le Cercle Rouge, here in Manhattan, and shown in the documentary about that very issue. "The September Issue", as a film, shows the public at large all that's involved in the realworld of behind the scenes . Backstage has been popularized by film and tv shows, but the real deal has no comparison.

In the May issue, Vogue leads the American woman through her own icons, history, and imagery. In a story shot by David Sims, the Flapper is an archetype, celebrating feminity and feminism.

By the way, this issue covers the new show at the Costume Institute, which "charts the development of an all-American style identity".

It's a heck of an issue, and once again, thank you, Vogue, for including Ellen Christine in it.

2010-04-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Sigh. The baseball cap is the bane of milliners everywhere. The powers that be make trillions of them per annum, and America has grown accustomed to popping that little thing on their noggins, and sallying forth. Not to play ball, by the way.
When I heard that Disney was supporting a hat program, I got excited. It didn't last long. But it's a hat, or sorta, I say to myself.

Disney is supporting Earth Day by giving away a ball cap with every 6 plastic bottles you return to one of their stores. Oh, and the ballcap is made from 6 recycled bottles. Recycling!
The sword is double edged, but they're trying. Recycle those plastic bottles, to be sure, but please don't expect me to put them on my very expensive hair. What happens if my highlights turn green, or something? And my cancer patients prefer something organic, like silk, or cotton, on their heads. But America is not to be deterred. Not yet.
If we continue on our mission to get real hats out there, we may prevail. May God make it happen in my lifetime.
Here's the link to the Disney site:

http://www.disneydreaming.com/2010/04/12/disneys-friends-for-change-make-a-wave-hat/

Now, to get Disney behind a real project: making hats in America again.

Weddings, weddings, brides, brides

2010-04-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

Newly featured in :

http://nymag.com/shopping/shopamatic/

Ellen Christine loves our brides. We do everything from hair combs to cathedral veils, and we often use our archival ingredients to make the perfect one-of-a-kind piece for the blushing beauty. Something old, we got it, something new, we got that, too.

thank you New York Magazine!

2010-04-10T15:11:00.001-07:00

Bunny reporter here:

empire State Building? check.

plastic eggs on "hats"? check

King Tut? check

Ah, yes, the annual Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue. What would life be without Halloween in the Spring? As a person, I appreciate the fun, the participation, the joyful expression of hot- glued fantasy that people find the need to wear. As a milliner, I'm still in shock. Try as we might, the Milliners Guild is forging ahead, and beating a path through the throngs of stuffed bunnies, and overgrown shrubs. On top of heads. Out to restore class and dressing to the idea of Easter on the Avenue, we represent a tiny niche of people interested in hats on a real deal basis. Not for play, only, but for every day , in every way, for every body. The joy of a great hat cannot be topped by a bag of Easter grass glued to a paper plate. Right?

Remember the movie, with Judy and Fred? Elegance reigned on Fifth Avenue in the 19th Century, and for those of you who know your history, it continued until the Great War. The lapse in celebretory activities on Easter Sunday didn't foment the tradition of wearing your Sunday best to show off, though. Instead, it returned as the Lost Bunny Nightmare, and spawned dozens of happy folk come to view the crazy people in the wierd, not the wonderful, as hats. If only tim Burton would direct it, it might come out okay. Instead, our little band of milliners march steadfastly from St. Patrick's Cathedral to the Park, stopped at every turn by oohs and ahs as photographers snap us and people cast a jealous eye upon our delightfully chic chapeaux.

Doesn't it just make you want to put on a hat?

Bunny Up!

2010-03-27T13:42:00.001-07:00

From the sound of things, it will still be chilly next Sunday, so wear your warmest Easter Bonnet to the Parade on Fifth Avenue.

the Milliners Guild will be out in full force, and from all the press we receive, join us, and get your picture taken. By someone. Maybe even Mr. Bill Cunningham of the New York Times. International tv, radio, and print photogs and reporters show up en masse to cover the event, and it's so much fun even the staid can't stand it. Grab a bunny, plan your day with a brunch uptown, and a carriage ride through the park. Hat firmly on head, smile in place, spirit aloft and Fifth Avenue at your feet....Michael Arenella's Dreamland Orchestra will be playing outdoors, just across from the University Club, for those dreamland dancers out there. Literally, there will be dancing in the street. Ah, Easter Sunday. Fred Astaire could not ask for more.

Hat Words to the Wise

2010-03-25T13:39:00.001-07:00

Gotta love a clutch of feathers that shoot up from a headpiece. Or a vast sweep of felt that swoops like a 1930's perchy hat, veil intact. Some adore a vast brim, with miles of ribbon dangling.

But that's us, the hat wearers/lovers/aficionados of the world. It's definitely NOT the lady who sits behind you at the opera and politely asks you to remove your hat. Or the waiter who sneezes when your feather tickles his nose while he's pouring the Veuve. Or all your friends who wore no hat at all to that marvelous wedding in Ireland at the castle.

Hatiquette. Be forwarned....it ain't pretty.

Since hat wearing is finally coming into it's own after decades of snide remarks and snubbing by the masses, please allow me to impart a few words of wisdom:

Use the width of your shoulders to measure the brim span. If you go larger than that you can wind up looking like a mushroom.

Wear something that fits in the cab/car/limo if you're being driven to a function. That way, it's sure to be small enough not to offend that waiter. Or your Mother-in-Law.

Wear black to funerals. With veils.

Wear navy blue as an alternative to black.

Think over-the-top for the races. If you wear that little sun hat you bought in the Caribbean, someone might think you're the tour guide.

Be joyful when choosing your hat for a wedding. It's a celebration, after all. The bride will love you all the more for joining in the moment of her day.

Cocktail for evening. Large brimmed straw hats just aren't done in the evening.

Mothers-of-the-Brides/Grooms: wear a hat that let's people get up close to kiss you. Unless you can't stand your relatives.

Brides: knock 'em dead. It's your duty to shine, so go as far as you can handle.

Remember that it's your face that designs the hat. Your eyes should be luminous when you put that hat on. The hat is there to be the frame......not be the picture. And when people talk to you, they shouldn't be looking at your hat. If it's the right one, your face glows, your smile lights up, your eyes sparkle. Just look in the mirror at the millinery shop, and judge for yourself which hat does it's job.

Any questions?

Davy Crockett Forever

2010-03-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

In 1954, Disney added a new hero to it's roster of kid appeal tv shows : Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier. Fess Parker played him with a woodsy swagger, a gentle demeanor, and a hero mentality. His outdoor duds became a new uniform for little boys across America, as they clamoured for coonskin caps. I never had one, so I don't know if they would have been girl friendly or not, but for decades, and even now, to see a racoon tail hanging from any hat is to remember Davy Crockett.

(PETA could have no problem with the racoons killed in the Old West, but today, a fur hat is anathema in some pc circles. In certain parts of the country, roadkill abounds, so a happy ending for that story would be to recycle. )

Along with many of our childhood heroes, and I speak of the 1950-60 range here, Disney as a brand brought America the light hearted point of view that real history didn't have. Fantasy has always been the land of choice when communicating with children, and Disney stood for magic, miracles and fairydust, generously sprinkled across a population of young citizens happy to embrace the cartoon projections. Not a bad thing, that, adding bright notes of imaginative interpretation to hard core.

Davy Crockett will always live as a real-life hero of the Alamo, but he's had another place in our hearts as a post-WWII blazer of trails all these years as well.

May the trails be alive with adventure and not fraught with adversity. Just put on your coonskin cap and forge ahead, whistling that theme song in your head.

Tokyo Does Ellen Christine

2010-03-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

We're all over Japan this Spring, with our first wholesale customer touting our wares from coast to coast, Japan-style. The very wellbred store chain: "Iena", has now added Ellen Christine Millinery to their roster of retail wares to tantalize their customer base. With 43 stores, and a great eye for collection pieces, Iena presents a Francophile outlook on young fashion in Japan. They chose a clean cut natural panama straw fedora, edged in navy blue, for their Spring cover. Inside the catalogue, one of our parasisal cloches is perched jauntily atop a headscarf. Styled, appealing, and ours!

May they sell out in one week. Wait until you see what's in the stores for Fall 2010, Japan-fans!..

For Japanese speakers, go to their website for updates , trends, and products: http://iena.jp/new_arrival/original75.html

Ah, Spring

2010-03-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

Subjectively speaking, spring represents straw hats. But what to do if the weather is still a bit on the chilly side? Do what the Victorians did: wear dark colored straws, trimmed in velvet. In the Roaring Twenties, they wore light colored felts; you can use this as your transitional hat of choice.

Think color, use felt, lean on velvet trims, and you have a perfect spring wardrobe of hats. Of course, in New York City, the first think we grab in the morning is a black fedora. If this is the hat carrousel you're caught on, add a feather to the fedora . The whimsy will awaken your inner Spring, and get you in the mood for other possibilities.

Kentucky Derby, here we come!

Recovering Victim of Fashion

2010-02-21T11:40:00.000-08:00

...and not fashion victim, by any means.

When Fashion Week is over, and you don't continue onto the European circuit, you dive headlong into a bag and sleep for as long as you can. Then something called "Market Week" happens, and you prep for the buyers who have come al the way from their respective farflung corners of the globe to purchase wares in this hot burg, New York City.

Ellen Christine Millinery has not wholesaled on a grandscale before last year, so usually, we just readied the Chelsea shop for spring, the races, and the brides. Not necessarily in that order.

This year, however, we were approached by a Japanese chain, and happily gave them pieces for Spring for 20 of their stores. This week, we show Fall 2010, just off the runway from the Milliners Guild show ......the theme for this collection is Voodoo. Dusky felts, sultry cocktail hats, raucous feather treatments comprise the base of the collection. The photographer hasn't shot the collection yet, so I can't show you anything; it's all up to your imagination for the moment.

While all this hubbub of activity is keeping little fingers busy, the Vogue March issue has come out. We are flabbergasted at having 4 pieces in this bible of spring. Tina Fey leads her cover story with is wearing a darling mouse-ear cocktail cap we made (our salute to Minnie Mouse and Mr. Disney), commissioned by Vogue specifically for Miss Fey. Gorgeous straws, shown with exotic spring fancies. Military complacency (ours is bottle green silk taffeta) as garrison caps.

Great issue, great shots, great styling............thank you, once again, VOGUE!

Hothouse Flowers of the New Decade

2010-02-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

The first hat show in NYC's Fashion Week is on Wednesday, February 17th. Exciting, right? the Milliners Guild of New York City is the producer, with a group collection, from 12 of the members. The Grace Hotel is the venue, in mid-town. If you've never been inside this hotel, there's a pool in the lobby , a lounge and a mezzanine that wrap around each other, creating the perfect spot for a fashion show. Choose a seat by the pool for the best view. Park in the lounge closer to the bar for your own comfort. Perch up on the mezzanine for an overview.

But come, wear a hat, and be part of the buzz that this event will generate.

By the way, seating is limited to 250, so please RSVP quickly to ensure entree.

What: a group show featuring new designs of hats and headpieces for Fall 2010

Where: Room-Mate Grace Hotel,

125 West 45th St

NYC, NY

Doors open at 7 p.m., with an hour of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, compliments of The Milliners Guild of New York City.

Show starts at 8 p.m.

Hosted by: Lady Rizo

Music by: DJ Rich Burroughs

Featuring:

Cigmond

Ellen Christine Millinery

Cha Cha's House of Ill Repute

Guy Carsone Couture Millinery

Hattini

Hatting by La China Loca

Monika Fine Millinery

Lisa Shaub Millinery

Kathy Anderson

Edith & Ivy

Abigail Aldridge

RSVP: events@room-matehotels.com, or pr@millinersguild.org

www.millinersguild.org is the Guild's website, featuring pictures from our last event and news of each milliner, and upcoming events.

Eat Your Hat!

2010-02-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

When you have nothing else to do, plan a simple meal around your next confection. Literally. there are contests for these things, and happily most of them use chocolate as their medium.

contests where the entire garment, every hat, sometimes the shoes, bags, "jewelry", is made of chocolate.

Yum.

And if a bustle made of chocolate might not be to your particular taste, think of vegetables. Use them, create your fashion statements with the vegetables of your youth that you never wanted to eat. Drape them around a model's shoulders, flounced around a hip, perched upon a shoulder. Be vivid, be raucous, but be couture, please.

When all else fails, break out the sugar, and ply your whimsy with tails of spun fantasy. Let these examples be your inspiration, and dream up your own sugarplum delights. What's imagination for, if not to dream of stuff of wonder? Delight in the bizarre, but edible. Diet need not be contained by the kitchen, or relegated to the pantry. Fashion becomes the cabbage leaf, the neckace of peas, the corset stays of carrot sticks. Blossoms of molded chocolate top a mousse of a turban.

Get ready for Fashion Week with your own special wardrobe: take lunch to the masses, and build your ensembles with edibles. the photogs will love you!

Gotta Watch TV

2010-01-22T21:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the closing Conan O'Brien The Tonight Show, and the send off included ZZ top and Will Ferrell kicking it to Freebird, by Lynrd Skynrd, with Conan playing along on his axe. The entire week was one long wrap up joke, re the soap opera that NBC created by re-shuffling the cards of it's late night line up. Tonight was a must see, if just for the history books.

We were treated to Robin Williams, Pee Wee Herman, and Tom Hanks on show after show of brilliant writing, deductive reasoning, and inane antics not seen since the early days of Letterman.

As a gentleman, Conan provided his fans with wisdom and advice for handling the situation, and deepfelt thanks for their support. As a comedian, he provided his fans with ongoing one-liners, and insider jokes. As a professional, he stood his ground and stood up for his team in the face of an onslaught rarely seen in Televisionland.

And so it's a wrap, and Leno will be back on his turf in a month or so. Whither goest Conan we do not know, but his fans will follow, as they have from one slot to another over the years.

The other half of the evening was the benefit amazingly tossed together by George Clooney and Wyclef Jean for the Haitian relief cause. In the space of under one week, a smooth, gorgeous production was broadcast from multiple sites,and every channel, with international stars of the music world joining voices and forces to funnel money through a slew of organizations. The song choices were poignant, and are available for uploading on iTunes. Go to HopeforHaitinow.org to donate anything at all. Go to: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1630348/20100122/rihanna.jhtml

for the line-up of performers, and to pre-order the CD.

It's up to all of us to throw our hats in the ring and help.

Recap

2009-11-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick little article for those of you who didn't make it this year:

http://www.examiner.com/x-23159-Chelsea-Accessories-Examiner~y2009m11d22-Hats-rule#

plan for next year! Make your own hat and win the prize, since only non-members can enter.

The Culture of Costume

2009-11-13T15:15:00.000-08:00

Early fashion plates, and journals promoted the latest, the hottest, and chic-est in garments, so that the middle classes could emulate the aristocracy across Europe. The latest color, silhouette, trimming of ensembles for daytime and nighttime became watered down as each subsequent societal group interpreted fashion. Through the decades that followed this initial blast that became the borgeousie, each group began to identify itself via fabric, shape and designer. In this costume maelstrom of the 17^th-18^th centuries, the common man has emerged dressed as he chooses, according to his own style and taste.

Today, with the overwhelming freedom of choice in mens’ as well as in womens’ garb, costume can be, and is, often extremely individualistic. Post-hippie vintage merged into haute couture, and slid home with it’s ever popular resuscitation, manipulated bygone eras into iconic combinations that became recognize-able by their decade. The 1970’s revived the 1940’s , and the 1980’s translation of the shoulder has come home to haunt. We’re living in a moment of phoenix-like glory. The 1980’s , so obvious an influence in contemporary fashion has now bled into the dance, and other artistic camps.

The Metropolitan Opera is currently showing, to sellout crowds, the new production of “The Damnation of Faust”. Chock full of intent, the visual content is rampant with dancers, acrobats, costumed singers, and video projections. And that’s in just one scene.

The 1980’s should be culled for specificity, and elements extracted that morph into new interpretation. Any era can provide inspiration, but when we take everything available and throw it against the wall to see what sticks, we’re not designing, or interpreting.

Let the individuals of this new decade ahead take the centuries behind us and extract, or exhume, their favorites icons. The Dandies will live to tie another tie. Hollywood movie stars of the glam eras will drip another foxtail. The flappers of the 1920’s will pull down their cloches on a new era. The Victorians will again tweed us to death, and the embroideries of the Edwardian Arts and Crafts movement will once again be copied somewhere in India. Fashion lives in cycles no doubt, and art follows, but let the art and the fashion be refreshing in it’s newness. It’s the hope we live for.

The Great and Glorious Mimi Weddell

2009-10-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sad to announce, via Mimi Weddell's press agent, that the lovely hatted one left us on Sept 24th. Here is her obituary:

WEDDELL, Mimi Rogers took a final bow and removed her hat for the last time on September 24, 2009 following a short illness. The first of four children born to Helen Stevens and Harold Rogers, Mimi made her debut on February 15, 1915 in Williston, ND. After exploring numerous cities, Mimi decided to settle in New York with husband Richard Weddell, an executive with what was then known as RCA Victor.

Exceptionally gracious and world-wise, Mimi was a working mother in an age when mothers did not work, especially mothers living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. In her mid-sixties, upon the passing of her husband, she quit all her “day jobs” and with no children to support Mimi launched what would become an eclectic modeling and acting career. She loved the cameras and the lenses embraced her.

At 90 years old she was declared by New York Magazine as one of the “50 Most Beautiful New Yorkers”. She has appeared in over 25 movies,starting with the cult classic “Dracula’s Last Rites”, to “Hitch” and numerous television series including Sex in the City , Law and Order and practically all of the “soaps.”

Ms. Weddell was featured in Joyce Tenneson’s Book, Wise Women. She also found time to appear Off Broadway and traveled across country to join the casts of regional theatre groups. Mimi, who would never let her age get in the way of a casting call, appeared either on the cover or in editorial spreads in New York Magazine; Italian Vogue; Vogue and, of course, Vanity Fair. She worked with photographers, Richard Avedon,Mario Testino, Peter Lindbergh, Tim Walker, and Martin Hyers to name a few. Her lithe spirit was seen in many commercials and print ads for Juicy Couture, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Nike ‘Just Do It’ campaign and others.

A few years back, Mimi caught the attention of Producer/Director Jyll Johnstone who decided Mimi’s remarkable life was a story worth telling. The result was the highly acclaimed 2008 documentary “Hats Off.” Mimi at last got top billing and in so doing launched the battle cry heard around the independent film industry: “90 is the New 40.”

Within the “industry,” Mimi was always known for her vast collection and endless array of hats. Her sense of style was legend. Grace Coddington, the Creative Director of Vogue Magazine remarked to Mimi's favorite fashion photographer, Tim Walker that she couldn't have styled Mimi any better than Mimi dresses herself.

Fashion Week, NYC 2009 and then some

2009-09-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

A deep sigh of exhaustion now exudes from my entire being. We're not quite over, but here's the deal:

during Fashion Week, all of the models are in town, and , the dear editors schedule as many magazine shoots as they possibly can, to take advantage of that very fact. As a matter of fact, everyone is in town: the photogs, the models, the stylists, and every assistant not shipped off to Albuquerque for a shoot. This omni-presence seems to complicate matters. TV shows schedule bits involving fashion, the reality shows jump on board the fashion bandwagon, and yes, even the designers remember we're here and we can make fabulous hats for their collections.

So, a wrap up of just a few salient points from this mad, mad week and a half:

The Mad Fashionista requested hats by Ellen Christine to highlight her wardrobe for her tent presence. Somewhere along the way she upstaged Kathy Griffin, wearing one of our hats, as reported in WWD. Point for our side.

Chic Today got an article out of me for the Gareth Pugh installation at Mac/Milk. We love this designer, and felt right at home, as if it were the 1980's once again, in the middle of a lit cube.

Go read the article.

United Bamboo requested designs for their S/S 2010 collection. Andrew Richardson, a stylist with whom we have worked in the past, called and asked for a meeting. The meeting went well, the hats looked glorious, I was happy , they were happy. Pay attention to the prints in their collection, all designed inhouse by an artist. Very Joan Miro. Great dresses, and a brilliant jumpsuit.

People Magazine is shooting their 35th Anniversary issue. Some of our cocktail hats were called in by Jamie Grace for Iman, and Chanel Iman to wear........we''ll have to see what happens.

The upcoming tv series "Sherri" picked up two hats for an episode shot just this week.....I can say they're large hats, drama hats, great looking hats......beyond that, watch the show when it comes out.

The last project of the week is for "My Fair Wedding", a reality show that is staging a fashion runway show next week. They'll present a specially designed collection of gowns, with Ellen Christine Millinery headpieces. Watch and see for a David Tutera moment.........

Just a peek into our daily adventures.........just a tip of the iceberg......just a blink of the eye. Now, back to my customers.

Wear a hat, and keep me happy.

Request To Consider Willy DeVille For Induction In The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Petition

2009-08-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Request To Consider Willy DeVille For Induction In The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Petition

Spike the Shoe!

2009-06-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Wearing a cobbler’s apron crafted by Hermes, Beth Levine made magic in her studio. Beyond shoes, the Levines (Beth, and her husband, Herbert) transformed American made footwear of the prosaic loafer era into a glamourous panoply of humorous, chic, and innovative pieces that remain iconoclastic even today.

Think of Marilyn Monroe in her Springolators….the name Beth Levine is stamped indelibly onto that image.

A virtuoso of shoe-dom, Beth Levine as the design force behind the Herbert Levine brand, influenced European style with her elegant creations. This glorious technicolor book tracks the Levines from their first post War shoe factory to their last run in 1975. Ad campaigns, publicity shots, pages from Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar fashion editorials lend imaginative background to the myth and the reality of the Levine shoe.

Best of all are the artistically photographed portraits of Beth’s shoes- details captured, nuance explained. Able to make inroads in experimental and futuristic shapes and materials, the Levines’ body of work affords a broad spectrum of design research. Theatre boots, encrusted with stones a la 18th Century; modernistic Kabuki “flats” that give a floating sensation; clear vinyl; heels crafted from curls of leather; pumps covered in peacock feathers: this book is a veritable library of shoe history. Written with appropriate quotes and quips, with a dynamic forward by Harold Koda, of the Metropolitan Museum, this is one of the most important costume books in the field since “Mode in Shoes” first appeared.

Inside June Vogue Magazine

2009-06-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Vogue does a wedding, or rather, a wedding redux! "The Wedding Party", photograhed by Arthur Elgort, and styled by Grace Coddington re-enacts the wedding of model Sasha Pivovarova, to Igor Vishnyakov. With pages full of romantic frocks, and our headpieces, the "maids of honor" prance in a modern fanciful interpretation of a traditional wedding set of bridesmaids.

The inspiration for the Ellen Christine headpieces used came from the 1950's, popular with the mile-high hairdos of the era. The contemporary version lends itself to a casual but elegant anytime occasion, wrapped wire, leafy appliques, and silk flowers, tinted as in nature, to a subtle variation in tone.

HAT TALES EPISODES ARE BACK

2009-06-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

News on Ellen Christine's myspace :

Any day it's not raining, new Hat tales episodes are posted online so come and tchek our myspace to see the new episodes !

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&channelID=120167646

Two French Students in New York

2009-06-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Depuis le début du mois de mai, deux étudiants français en commerce international ont intégré la boutique New Yorkaise, Ellen Christine Millinery.

Denise & Hervé travaillent au développement du marketing dans cet endroit en proie à la créativité de Chelsea.

Peut-être d'ailleur avez-vous déjà pu les apercevoir, coiffés de leurs chapeaux favoris, un gangster fedora pour l'un et une cloche des années 20 pour l'autre, arpentant les rues New Yorkaise avec une grosse boîte à chapeaux.

C'est maintenant après avoir pris leurs marques au sein de l'entreprise en réalisant une opération pour le May Madness du S3 group qu'ils s'attanquent au développement de la griffe au sein de la grosse pomme.

Objectif, ne plus voir une seule tête nue ou qui ne saurait pas où l'on trouve les chapeaux les plus extravagants et sophistiqués de New York.

Vous allez pouvoir retrouver en ligne plus d'épisode de " Hat Tales" et encore bien d'autres projets.

Alors restez bien attentifs, dans un mois ils nous quittent, peut-être nous réservent-ils encore des surprises qui sait ... ?

Translation :

Since the beginning of May, two French students who are studying International Trade in Jean Lurçat in Paris began their internship in the New York boutique, Ellen Christine Millinery.

Denise & Hervé are working on marketing development in this place full of Chelsea creativity. You may already have seen them wearing their favorite hats, a gangster fedora for one and a 1920’s cloche for the other, walking through the streets of New York City with a big hat box.

They have just finished the project for May Madness (S3 group) and now they are ready to attack their plan to further integrate the Ellen Christine label into the Big Apple.

The goal: no more naked heads and letting people know where to find the most extravagant and sophisticated hats of NY

You will find further episodes of “Hat Tales” online and more projects to come.

So pay attention, in one month they are leaving us so who knows what surprises they have in store?

Written by Hervé and Denise

Calling All Customers!

2009-05-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Dear people who have spent money in my shop? Dear hat-loving folk who have commisserated with me over felt, silk, or sculpted straw?

How shall I address all of the crazy, wonderful, exciting and patient customers that I've had over the years?

How about:

Dear Customers,

(very proper, this one)

It has come to my attention that thousands of you have never written a review about Ellen Christine Millinery on Citysearch. The powers that be at Citysearch tell us that this is important for others to read, and so I hereby request your aid in this matter. Please go to this link: http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/7104499 and write your little hat-loving hearts out.

Brief, and to the point. We like it.

By the way, please come in for a visit this month, since we're participating in the S3 May Madness Month. You'll have a crack at a jim-dandy raffle when you make your purchase. There are 60 of us, small businesses in NYC all, and we are doing a joint prize- awarding raffle. come in and I'll tell you all about it.

Thank you, and I hope to see you all very soon, again.

Ellen Christine

255 W. 18th St.

NYC, 10011

Take Back the Easter Parade!

2009-04-09T11:31:00.001-07:00

Come one, come all, and join the festivities on Fifth. Avenue, that is, come Sunday, as the Milliners Guild unites en masse, to reclaim the fashionable airs of Easter Sunday outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Renowned as a promenade for the elite for decades, the Easter Parade has had it's ups and downs. Modern counterparts of Gilded Age strollers are sometimes a bit more fluorescent and flamboyant than the chic ladies of yesteryear. Parade atmosphere has somewhat replaced the ego flaunting of the rich, sporting their Paris fashions and extraordinary chapeaux.

No longer will the Eater Parade remain the tag end of a faded ritual..........this year, both the Milliners Guild of New York and their friends.......AND the Dreamland Orchestra, playing music of the 1920's, will be adding a chic element back into the melee.

Come wearing your best hat, your dapperiest don on your arm, and let us reclaim the fashion of the Avenue, at the Easter Parade.

The Milliners Guild will be found, proudly wearing their banners, near 50th and 5th , from 10 a.m. onward.

Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra will be somewhere in the vicinity of 54th and 5th, from 12:30-3.

P.S. I'll be wearing a pink hat, in case you're looking. Come up and introduce yourself!

Get Thee to the Theatre!

2009-04-05T07:59:00.001-07:00

Especially, for laughs, both sophomoric, and real, go see "The Toxic Avenger".

Opening April 6th at the New World Stages, at 340 W. 50th Street, this is a comic book-inspired romp through the nonsensical world of the Tromaville hero. Dipped into a vat of unxious goo, the nerd Melvin Ferd the Third becomes (trumpet fare please) Toxie, the walking vison of New Jersey waste products.

The theatre affords an intimate, well planned staging of the hilarious adventures of Toxie and his blind blonde bombshell girlfriend, the odious Mayor, her sidekicks, and Melvin's Mother. And how do they do it? How do they (5 actors and a rock band) perform an entire fantasy film/action/superhero sketch? They do it brilliantly: the sidekicks take on the parts of every known gangsta, ruffian, back-up singers, and all auxillary roles possible. The Mayor is playing both herself, and wotta self!, and the Mother, and in one scene has to beat herself up, without missing a beat. The beat, by the way, is provided by Bon Jovi's own David Bryan, who wrote the songbook and the music.

I was amazed at the compact possibilities, and the genius execution of it all.

Bravi, the cast, bravi the producers, and hooray, for this laugh-a-minute escape from our yucky economic woes!

We thank you, and we aim to tell everyone to go see this show!

Naked Heads

2009-03-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

today we have an article in the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/nyregion/31experience.html

Mr. Blumenthal wrote about even more of my eccentricities..........

R.I.P. Mrs. Albrizio

2009-03-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

When I started in the millinery business in New York City, my friend, Andrew, sent me to Albrizio Millinery to block my hats. This was entre into one of the most important hat housesin the city. They make hats for the Metropolitan Opera, for theatre, for top designers in the business. The name Albrizio is known in the church lady circles, in the rap world, in fashion because they have their own label, as well as allowing those of us who design hats, to use their facilities.

At the studio, Marie Albrizio reigned supreme, Goddess of the hatblocks, queen of the feathers, and bulwark to the hat industry in NYC. Marie and her sister, Ann Albrizio, had started the hat business in the post-war garment industry. Ann started teaching at FIT and molded future hatters (Kokin, Patricia Underwood, Eric Javits, to name a few) of America with her strict verbose manner. Between the two of them, they kept the industry afloat through the lean years in the 1960's and 1970's, when hairspray was more important than the hat.

Marie was my point person, since her sister, the legendary Mrs. Albrizio, had retired. At Albrizio's, Marie let me block one hat or a dozen, sewing my straw braid, and coping with my questions on a weekly basis. Although Patricia Underwood might have an order in for hundreds of pieces, and Kokin might have the finisher busy for days, Marie always managed to slide one of my hats into the process, and helped me learn the business.

Andrew was close to the sisters, so I was invited for dinner at home. Marie's grandson, David , was taking over for Marie, who was at home attending to Ann, house-bound, but still receiving guests. To say the least, the factory/studio and family were one, and the atmosphere was warm, and more encouraging to small designers than any environment in New York City. The garment center used to be like that: a small business, kept in the family, that embraced newcomers and lent a helping hand to their education by opening the door.

This is what Ann Albrizio leaves behind.....generations of milliners, hat-makers, lovers of hats. Students who shine in the current fashion world, and those to come, ever thoughtful of Mrs. Albrizio, and all that she gave us.

Last night, March 23rd, Mrs. Albrizio left us. May that door stay open, and may we all celebrate her life, her work, and her contribution to American fashion.

Spring into Hats

2009-03-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

In the Northeast, we're really trying to get into Spring. the easy dresses are coming out, orders are coming in for Ascot. Mothers of the Bride are getting nervous about what they may be wearing on their heads. Easter and Passover are just around the corner.

But it snowed one morning this week, and it's still chilly and than some outside. Of course I can remember Easter Sunday as it snowed on my new suit and hat, but that was long ago, and not normal.

As a perky measure, getting your Spring hats out of their boxes is a good way to convince yourself that the weather is changing, and brighter colors are on the verge of happening. Dust off those flowers, get your strappy sandals ready, and prep your transitional wardrobe so you can mix things in , just to add a note of cheerful expectancy to the day.

At Ellen Christine, we follow the Victorian's philosophy: use a darker straw as an in-between hat, and you'll feel lighter in your step and almost frivolous in you mood. If it's not quite time for those Panamas yet, use a feather trim or a flower on one of your felts, and bear witness to the changing of seasons.

Work your way into the high season by thinking ahead to what new hat you'd like to add to your wardrobe, and come into the shop and play. We have to make new ones every week, so the panoply changes, as the temperature rises, albeit ever so slightly.

Forge into Spring with a new hat, and your spirits will rise to the occasion!

Dapper Flapper

2009-03-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Theme parties are the bane of my existence. Any number of people come into Ellen Christine and ask for a "1920's" headpiece, or an Audrey Hepburn something. Most contemporary body types wouldn't like themselves as flappers, and couldn't carry off the deer-caught-in-the-headlights innocence that Miss Hepburn projected. To show them a beaded headband, trimmed in a spray of feathers, that we just happen to have on hand is usually a frustrating experience for me as an artist, and my assistants as salespeople. To wrap your head around a 1920's turban look, or a feathered accessory is difficult unless you're an actress, or an otherwise imagination-infused individual. Probably a warm up exercise should happen before people go out shopping , into a world they know nothing about, and can't easily grasp without a personal shopper, or a costume consultant.

Flexing the imagination muscle is helpful, so here's my advice:

when you're invited to a party with a theme, or a wedding with a theme, please do some homework first. Go to the library, a bookstore, or online for some basic description of what you're looking for. Then look at current fashion and see if anything out there looks like the images you're expected to mimic. In today's market, fashion reflects vintage mode, so it's usually easy to find a piece that isn't authentic or antique, but does lends itself to the era at hand.

Now you can go shopping. Ask for help, once you have a vague idea of what you want. Plan a budget, since beaded dresses can be expensive in any format......and every flapper worth their salt had a bead or two hanging around. Cocktail dresses and cocktail hats are the norm for a 1950's look. Sheaths work for a 1920's vignette. Feathers work with both of these looks, so always consider accessories your ticket to happiness. You may already own a dress or an outfit that could be perked up with a boa, or a headpiece, and the right jewelry, so check your closet, too.

Take heart, and be brave. Use those drama muscles and make it happen, and the theme of the party will be how fabulous you look!

2009-03-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

We take celebrities to heart in New York City. They are our World Bank, our 6 Degrees of Separation from fame and glory, our Muses. On any given day in a Starbucks, a Barnes and Noble, or just walking around the corner, you may run into Harrison Ford, Sarah Jessica Parker, or Liam Neeson. There may be a fleet of trailers lining your street, as another scene from a film or a television series is being shot. Your favorite celeb might be out for a walk, or on his way to buy a hat.

These beloved and admired folk come to New York to appear in a Broadway show, to put in a cameo at a Charity event, or they might move here because of the anonimity afforded living amidst these madding crowds. We cherish our actors. They are a part of our city, even if they live a bit upstate.

Natasha Richardson and her gorgeoous husband came to live here. Although I never had the privilege of working with either of them, I did have my Liam moment. As I was trudging through Soho one afternoon I had to bypass some of those aforementioned movie trailers. I bypassed smack into Mr. Neeson. End of contact story, but nevermind...there's always a little flutter when you run into one of your heroes (literally). When he and Miss Richardson married, the best of two worlds joined and provided us, their fanbase, with the delight of having them on home turf.

And because it's closer to home, we feel the loss that much more. God bless the family, and Miss Richardson, Godspeed.

Rusalka at The Met

2009-03-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

The magic of the Met happens, and you're not aware of being transported in an out of body experience, but suddenly, the lights come up and you're back.

In the current production of Rusalka, with Renee Fleming reprising her role as the nebulous water nymph, the magic begins at the first rise of that glorious golden curtain. The set is lit with gloworms and fireflies on the lake......the trees bend their branches to embrace the night sky, and the audience. A true fairy tale, complete with dryads, water creatures, a bonafide witch, a Prince, of course, and a castle, all revolving around a wishful little lake-dwelling sylph. Renee Fleming emerges from a tree at lake's edge and sings to the glory of the full moon, pouring out her heart and her heart-felt desires, as delicately and lyrically as a breath on the evening breeze.

Although, as an audience, we know what's coming next in this Czech version of The Little Mermaid, still we are carried by the gracefulness of Miss Fleming, and the fairy dust in the very air. Her movements are as diaphanous as her gowns, and lend themselves to the poetry of Dvorak's music.

When all of the elements come together, and a brilliant, sparkling production emerges, the rest of the world disappears. Truly.

Treat yourself to the opera at the Met, whether it be this production, or another. Walking through those doors, in that majestic theatre, is an experience meant to be savored, and enjoyed.

Yes, We Can Restore That Hat!

2009-03-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

What to do when the dog has ran off into the lake with your favorite Montecristi panama hat? How do you deal with a rain-soaked felt Borsalino? After you pull your favorite hat out of that mud puddle, what do you do now?

We get hundreds of calls and emails about restoration, re-sizing, reblocking, and simple R&R for hats, and some of the stories are not to be believed. Your husband won't give up that ratty misshapen thing on his head that makes him feel like Jimmy Stewart? Sneak it out of the house, let us give it a brush and steam, change the ribbon, and he'll probably just think he looks extra handsome........you'll know, but he won't..........

When your daughter wants your Mom's old Easter hat......bring it to me, and we'll resize, and even re-design it to fit her style......

Many are the feathers we've had to steam, re-dye, reposition.........

As much thought and technique goes into restoration in the truest sense as into designing a collection . The re-furbishing is simple sometimes, and sometimes not,but it's always worth a question, and look-see, and an attempt. There's nothing like a favorite hat to perk up your mindset......unless it's a new hat.

Get yourself a good brush, and don't use it on the dog. Get a light colored one, and a dark one, for different shades of felt and straw. When you brush a hat, just as when you brush a garment, you're removing topical dirt that will end up lodged in a crevice, creating muck and ultimately damage. Start early in the life of the hat, and keep it up.... your hat wardrobe deserves it.

Housewives Need Hats, Too

2009-03-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Once in a while something comes along on TV that gets me hooked. I'll admit it: The Real Housewives of New York City has dug it's talons into me. I follow the series, I Facebook, I read their blogs. Maybe because it's New York, and I'm here, too...who knows? My friends aren't like this.......their egos aren't this fragile, their apartments so perfect, their pools so blue. We are a bit of an alternative group, my friends and I....we dress accordingly to our own whimsical, eccentric poetry of the moment. We don't hang at the Hamptons.......who'd want to? Our husbands don't have lucrative businesses that support our projects. Well, most of them don't.

When you get completely immersed in the fashion scene in New York, there are divas everywhere, but would you choose them as your friends? Just say hello, and carry on. Not necessary to take them into the bosom of your family.

So, the girls are sensitive creatures, easily offended. I had a friend like that.....everything I said was interpreted in a completely subjective manner. Ouch. The Housewives do their confronting on camera, since it's a TV show, and make up somewhere along the way. What happens in between is up to the audience to make up. Reality TV is only 24/7 if there's a camera in the house. So, petty tiffs, and quite a few attitude flinging sessions take flight every week. What a story line!

Since I've never watched reality TV, I'm not so familiar with the concept, but I read on the blogs that people who watch these shows are intensely involved. Everything from behavior, to nail polish is criticised, sliced and diced......is the public so perfect? Am I missing something? What to me is a non-plussed romp through someone's day to day, seems to be a case study for lab students everywhere.

So I watch, and theorize about America, and wonder yet again what train all these people have taken.

Hats for Miss Holstein's Collection

2009-02-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

Here's the procedure, if you plan, think ahead and act like a Virgo:

all wayyyyy in advance, like in September, or October, for the Fall 09 show line-up. Bring a visual reference, some ideas, and a colorway. Plot the first mock-up. Make an appointment, and keep it, to see the mock-up.

Approve the mock-up, and place the order, in full.

Call for pick-up, hopefully, before Christmas.

Guess who operates this way? Catherine Holstein, that's who! A very professional young lady, with talent on her mind, and vision in her fingertips, who knows what she wants, and how to make it all happen. Her agent called for the appointment, with a recommendation from Vogue Magazine, and the rest is fashion history now. Her Fall 09 RTW presentation happened yesterday, Friday the 13th, with nary a black cat in sight. Called "goth", by some of the press, the collection put the models in very wear-able and sale-able clothing, with the hats providing the right soupcon of accessory. I love the lapels on her jackets. I love her jackets. In keeping with a more sedate color palette, as designers are wont to do for next season, the touches of color provide just the balance needed to make the collection cook.

You can see Catherine Holstein's clothing in Saks, for one, but look for her pieces, and by all means, put in a request for an Ellen Christine hat, just in case the store buyer is making notes!