Pose Millinery – affordable bespoke hats in HK

Got a summer wedding coming up and in need of some fabulous headgear? Or fancy getting fascinated by all things fascinator? Thanks to the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge, headpieces are so hot right now… so it seemed the perfect time for us to get the scoop on local milliner Rosie Wilkins of Pose Millinery!

Pose Millinery was created in 2010 when founder Rosie moved to Hong Kong from London and noticed that Hong Kong ladies were seriously in need of an affordable but fashionable millinery experience.

As a longtime lover of all things hats, Rosie learnt the tricks of the trade from Edwina Ibbotson, one of the UK’s most talented milliners (and whose high-profile fans include Pippa Middleton!). She creates all her masterpieces from home, and I was surprised to hear that the art of hat making sometimes involves putting alternative uses to common kitchen appliances such as cling film, a boiling kettle and the refrigerator!

Currently, Rosie has a bespoke collection of hats and fascinators available on her website, each named after a bride or co-designer. The bases come direct from the UK and all other items are sourced locally from the markets in Sham Shui Po or collected from Rosie’s trips abroad. Styles include sinamay saucer bases adorned with silk fabric flowers or feathers, and hand-blocked claret felt bases known as “smarties” – you learn something new every day!

I immediately fell head over heels for the Amy hat, a navy sinamay decorated with lilac hydrangea sprigs. I also couldn’t resist the quirky appeal of having a little bird nesting on top of your head with this unique design!

However, if you have something particular in mind, Rosie will encourage you to let your creative juices flow and custom-make a headpiece of your design. If you prefer a little flexibility, hat rentals are also available with rental terms to be agreed upon at Rosie’s discretion.

While Rosie insists that she is not formally trained, it is obvious that she has the talent (and patience!) for creating the perfect headpiece. Here are her top tips for finding or creating the perfect headpiece:

1. If you have your dress and accessories sorted, bring these to the first fitting as Rosie draws inspiration from your outfit.
2. At least one fitting is absolutely essential, and a second fitting is ideal for any final alterations.
3. Last but not least, never hide behind a headpiece – wear your hat or fascinator with confidence and let the posing begin!

So what are you waiting for?! Go on and strike a pose at the horse races, your next wedding, christening or even just a fabulous day (or night!) out with a beautiful statement headpiece from Pose Millinery.

Rosie’s hats start from around $300 to rent or $800 to buy. Her headpieces start from around $200 to buy or rent. To arrange a viewing (limited to weekday evenings or weekends) or for other enquiries, email [email protected].

www.posemillinery.com

Want more hats? Don’t forget to check out our interview with another amazing milliner, Awon Golding, here!