Anna Mikhailova

Milliner

Darya Repnikova ©Michelangelo Foundation

Millinery marvels

Anna creates statement hats for occasions
She is also an award-winning hair stylist
Her hats can be seen at ballet shows and Royal Ascot

Already as a child, Anna Mikhailova was fascinated by the art of hairdressing, so her career choice was made very early on. Yet it wasn’t until quite a few years after that this St. Petersburg artisan moved on from twisted buns and classic chignons to creating handmade hats. Today, she creates statement hats, that can now been seen across the globe, from Moscow to London to Miami. Her art has made its way to the international stage as well as royal weddings and international horseracing events, from Britain’s Royal Ascot to the US’s Saratoga Race. Most recently, the artisan created a collection of hats inspired by the art of Salvador Dali, especially for the exhibition of his works, which was held in Moscow in early 2020.

Interview

Darya Repnikova ©Michelangelo Foundation

Darya Repnikova ©Michelangelo Foundation

What was your approach in the Dali collection?: As it often happens with this art, things went a bit mystical. I started drawing up my thoughts about his art, and when I completed my pieces, I was stunned: the models echoed the hairstyle of women in a painting that I actually had not seen!
What is your experience in theatrical shows?: I created headwear for Boris Eifman’s ballet Tender is the Night, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. The show premiered in 2015, and has been showing both in Russia and internationally quite a lot. I feel very close to the glamour of the ‘roaring 20s’.
Is your work linked to the history of Russia?: I have a close connection with St. Petersburg, its architecture. For example, after a stroll through the city centre, I drew a sketch inspired by the whimsical Art Nouveau hammered bronze ornaments decorating the Singer House on Nevsky prospekt.
What is your most memorable piece?: I still keep my first hat, a small turquoise cap with lace and feathers, I made it around ten years ago. But the one that is perhaps the dearest to me is the one that resembles a paradise bird - it personifies my desire to transmit the feeling of movement, freedom, flight in a piece of headwear.

Anna Mikhailova is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2010