Pleating and Dyeing: Bridget Bailey

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Last month I attend a 2-day Masterclass hosted by Pierre & Pierre and taught by Bridget Bailey Tomlin in The Hague, Holland.  We learned how to two millinery techniques. The first one was the dyeing of silk abaca and sinamay and the second was pleating this material in different directions.

I was amazed on how easy it was to dye the un-stiffined sinamay. It really took the color well and it transformed how the materials looks. Dyeing can add so much depth to your hat embellishments and create a bespoke final product.

Bridget was such a great teacher as we managed to finish everything she had set out for us to do. She took the time and worked individually with all of us. She explained clearly the technical accepts of dyeing (keep a clean work area) and showed us hot to create pleating molds. This class has opened a whole new world of color possibilities for my new hat creation that will never be limited to the colors and materials I purchase.

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“Don’t let your thinking get ahead of your doing always think a little about your process and design and do a little.”

— Bridget Bailey Tomlin

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One piece of advice she gave me was, “Don’t let your thinking get ahead of your doing always think a little about your process/design and do a little.”  Bridget is not afraid of failure and testing her techniques. Failure is a sign that your doing it right. 

Workshop: Marianne Jongkind making a pillbox hat

Earlier this month I took a 2 day millinery hat workshop with Marianne Jonkind. She has over 50 years of millinery experience.Her class was truly educational. She is very knowledgeable and eager to share her millinery techniques and tips with the class. She teaches you what you want to learn, so when you attend the workshop you bring the supplies you will need to make what you want. It is a good idea to discuss with her ahead of time to make sure you have what you need. 

Day 1

I wanted to learn how to build a buckram base for a pillbox hat. I learned also how to cover the exterior and how to create a lining. 

Day 2

I wanted to learn how to cover a diadem (headband) with sinamay and then with fabric. 

Givenchy Exhibit: The Hague, NL

Givenchy to Audrey with Love

Audrey Hepburn and Hubert Givenchy had a friendship that spanned 40yrs. She knew what her style was and he knew how to dress her.

Walking through the gallery at the Gemeente Museum, The Hague. I could only wonder what their conversations would be like. She would call Hubert and tell him where she was going and what she wanted. He would sketch madly and give her a few options to choose from. Then together they would make a beautiful show stopping dress, but did they know they were making an icon? 

This exhibit takes you on a visual journey of the dresses Hubert created for Audrey and other clients like Jackie Kennedy Onassis. The collection of dresses and gowns span from 1960's-1990's. The gowns had an elegant simplicity and were accentuated with intricate beading, feathers, fur, lace, pearls, silks, wools and hats. Audrey’s wardrobe from her movie "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" was also on display and juxtaposed with the actual movie playing in the background. The colors of her movie wardrobe are so much more vibrant and detailed than what you can appreciate in the big screen. The pink silk organza cocktail dress was just exquisite with hand sewn sequins, cotton trim and a silk organza shocking pink bow. Her style was truly timeless and Hubert’s vision and talent were extraordinary.

More information Gemeente Museum