Where did you get that hat. Where did you get that hat?

How many of you just sang that title? It still counts even if it was only in your head! And I am very aware younger generations will have no idea what I meant there…

'Hats optional but encouraged', it said on the invite. I didn't need much encouragement.

Since I first became aware of Louise Pocock and her fantastic bespoke millinery creations, I'd been hoping for an opportunity to commission a hat for myself. My son's wedding was the perfect reason for something a bit special.

Armed with a sample of my dress material but very little idea of what I wanted, I visited Louise in her gorgeous studio shop in Chipping Campden. She gave me a few hats to try on for shape and asked a few questions about the wedding. That was all that was needed for her creative spark to ignite.  Recommending a teardrop button would be a good shape for my face and hair. With the added advantage, it would be light and not get in my way on the day. And a few suggestions on material combinations and shapes that could be created, I could see that Louise already had an idea in her mind of how it might look.

The result was even better than I imagined.

This is how it looked on the day.

I could hardly feel it on my head. It was so easy to wear. It didn't attempt to fly away in the breeze coming off the sea, or get in the way of hugs when greeting family and friends. The colours were just perfect for my dress. It felt special.

And I was asked quite a few times, "Where did you get that hat?"

Images copyright Chris Fossey