A Milliner's Musings

The Girl With the Pearl Earring image, wearing a turban and a modern day lady wearing a fashion turban hat

The Turban – From Functional Wrap to Fabulous Icon

Pat Brown

During wartime, the turban became a woman’s best friend – practical, easy to make, and endlessly versatile. Later, Hollywood turned it into a symbol of pure glamour, with stars like...

The Turban – From Functional Wrap to Fabulous Icon

Pat Brown

During wartime, the turban became a woman’s best friend – practical, easy to make, and endlessly versatile. Later, Hollywood turned it into a symbol of pure glamour, with stars like...

A man facing away from the camera wearing a classic black bowler hat and suit

The Bowler Hat – A British Classic with Lasting...

Pat Brown

Unlike the lofty top hat – wonderful for pomp but hopeless for comfort – the bowler was practical. From Norfolk gamekeepers to London gentlemen, and even across the Atlantic where...

The Bowler Hat – A British Classic with Lasting...

Pat Brown

Unlike the lofty top hat – wonderful for pomp but hopeless for comfort – the bowler was practical. From Norfolk gamekeepers to London gentlemen, and even across the Atlantic where...

A group of people sitting on the ground having  drink at a festival. One lady is wearing a headband covered in poppies and flowers

Festival-Ready Hats: How to Turn Heads While Yo...

Pat Brown

Looking for the perfect festival look? Start at the top!From boho brims to glitter-dipped bucket hats, discover how to pick a hat that keeps you cool, stays put during a...

Festival-Ready Hats: How to Turn Heads While Yo...

Pat Brown

Looking for the perfect festival look? Start at the top!From boho brims to glitter-dipped bucket hats, discover how to pick a hat that keeps you cool, stays put during a...

One of Pat Brown's designer hats made of sinamay over a rainforest background

Sustainability: A Style That Doesn't Cost the E...

Pat Brown

At The Extraordinary Hat Company, we're passionate about crafting stylish, beautiful hats while minimizing our environmental impact. From the natural fibres we carefully select, like renewable wool and the incredibly...

Sustainability: A Style That Doesn't Cost the E...

Pat Brown

At The Extraordinary Hat Company, we're passionate about crafting stylish, beautiful hats while minimizing our environmental impact. From the natural fibres we carefully select, like renewable wool and the incredibly...

A man and a lady removing their hats and staring in dismay at their flat hair!

Hat Hair, Don’t Care! Your Ultimate Guide to Fl...

Pat Brown

Struggling with hat hair? You’re not alone! At The Extraordinary Hat Company, we believe you can wear stylish hats and have great hair. In this ultimate guide, we share expert...

Hat Hair, Don’t Care! Your Ultimate Guide to Fl...

Pat Brown

Struggling with hat hair? You’re not alone! At The Extraordinary Hat Company, we believe you can wear stylish hats and have great hair. In this ultimate guide, we share expert...

One of Pat Brown's sculptural designs using salmon coloured leather and a leather swatch

Choosing Leather for Millinery & Flower Making

Pat Brown

Leather brings elegance, structure and endless creative possibilities to the world of millinery—but not all leather is created equal. Whether you’re shaping a sleek crown or crafting delicate floral trims,...

Choosing Leather for Millinery & Flower Making

Pat Brown

Leather brings elegance, structure and endless creative possibilities to the world of millinery—but not all leather is created equal. Whether you’re shaping a sleek crown or crafting delicate floral trims,...

About the Author

From headteacher to acclaimed milliner, Pat Brown brings a lifelong passion for art and design to The Extraordinary Hat Company in Fakenham, Norfolk. With a focus on sustainability, Pat incorporates vintage and rescued materials into unique, affordable British designs. Join Pat on her blog as she shares her inspirations, techniques, and love for hats.