Corina Leca

DeCorina Hats

Milliner

©DeCorina Hats

Answering the call of a lifelong dream

Corina started her journey into millinery after attending the London Fashion School
She loves working with felt and straw, and experimenting with textures and embellishments
The sewing machines and tools she works with are 100-150 years old

With a background in economics and tourism and over 20 years of experience in various creative fields, in 2017 Corina Leca decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a hat maker. She took her first official steps into millinery by attending the London Fashion School. A year later, she launched her debut collection under her studio name, DeCorina Hats. Specialising in a wide array of millinery techniques, including blocking and sculpting felts and straws, sewing straw braids, pattern making, embroidery, and fabric manipulation, Corina’s dedication to her craft is unwavering. She continues to refine her skills through experimentation, private classes with seasoned artisans, and participation in hat-making retreats. Drawing inspiration from fashion history, nature, architecture and art, Corina’s work bridges the gap between classical and modern design.

Interview

©DeCorina Hats

Do you remember the moment when you first thought of picking up this craft?: It was more of an evolution than a singular event. My interest grew gradually, and clicked when I saw how a hat could elevate an entire outfit and express a person’s identity. That is when I knew I wanted to delve deeper into this craft. Hats have fascinated me since childhood. When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I used to say "a hat maker."
What are your specialist skills?: My primary specialisation is creating high-quality, handcrafted hats that combine classic and contemporary styles. I also focus on bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces that are tailored to a client’s personality and needs. My skills lie in merging innovation with tradition, ensuring each hat is not only visually striking, but also comfortable and functional.
How do you combine both innovation and tradition in your work?: I love the balance between honouring traditional millinery techniques while introducing new shapes, materials and approaches. For example, I may use a traditional blocking method but experiment with unexpected colours or contemporary embellishments. This allows me to stay rooted in craftsmanship while bringing fresh ideas.
What is one thing about your work that people do not usually know?: Many people do not realise the level of precision and time involved in creating each piece. From sourcing the right materials to handcrafting every element, it can take hours or even days to complete a single hat. Each design is a labour of love.

Corina Leca is a rising star: she began her career in 2017 and she started teaching in 2022