Ana Lamata

Milliner

©Ana Lamata

Magic in millinery

Ana creates her hats with love and respect
Each hat speaks of cultural heritage and provenance
She only works with natural fibres

Whilst pursuing a PhD in contemporary art history, Ana Lamata started to collect all sorts of hats. Her curiosity made her realise she had no idea about how the objects of her passion were made and this is when she decided to learn the craft. After some research she landed in London and found in Mrs Rose Cory, MBE and milliner of Her Royal Majesty, the Queen Mother, the best possible master. Short after meeting her, she discovered herself smiling while sewing a hat. From that day, and after opening her workshop in 2014, she has been searching for the best materials (natural fibres of the highest quality available), experiencing the magic of seeing something taking shape, the transformation happening through her hands, and not being afraid of the amount of time it takes to make a hat properly.

Where

Interview

©Ana Lamata

©Ana Lamata

How do you define your work?: I make bespoke hats, or hats made-to-measure, tailored to head size and shape, as well as to the wearer's way of thinking and living. I see hats as exceptional tools, not only protecting their wearer from adverse weather, but allowing them to express their character.
What steps are involved in hat making?: Each step is critical in shaping the outcome. From preparing the material, to making the structures, shaping, steaming, sewing and trimming. The whole process requires attentive, meticulous and dedicated work, knowledge of the materials used and a sharp sense of proportion and balance.
Do you master a specific technique?: Hat making is quite a rich craft in terms of techniques. From blocking felt and straw, to turban draping, or silk flower making, striving for mastery is a lifelong journey. I seek to create to the best of my ability each time.
What is it that you love most in your profession?: Hat making allows me to play and explore, to bring everything I am, my background, my art studies, my taste, to the workbench. Then, there is the moment someone falls in love with one of my pieces and feels it belongs to them and buys it, this is just wonderful!

Ana Lamata is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2014