Fiona Bennett

Milliner

©Joachim Gern

An icon of German hat design

Fiona develops new techniques for every collection
She is Germany’s most famous hat maker
Her hats can also be found in movies and theatres

The story of Fiona Bennett is also the story of a city. A story that began when the British native moved to Berlin in 1972. With her childhood dream of becoming a sculptor still in the back of her mind, she decided to use her unique sense for shapes and colours by becoming a milliner instead, “I was thrilled to revive the dying craft, to transfer it into our time, and to develop and experiment with new techniques”. The creative freedom and experimental spirit in Berlin encouraged her to unwaveringly follow the path of her imagination, ultimately leading her to become Germany’s most well-known and distinguished hat maker. Today her creations are valued by celebrities and the German nobility alike.

Interview

©Ulrike Schamoni

©Joachim Gern

What does Berlin mean to you?: Berlin has set the context for my work, the city and its changing faces have always served as a creative playground, sparking inspiration that is reflected in my work.
What's the concept behind the window of your show studio?: It is our attempt to create awareness and appreciation for craft through transparency. The panoramic window of the show studio is an invitation to witness the steps and procedures, the magic that is behind our creations. Thus, it is a stage on which our filigree craft is performed for the public.
How do your reinvent your craft?: For every collection we try to develop something new with regards to design, material and processing techniques. Through the years, we have therefore developed many unique techniques ourselves. This defines the core and the design language of our label.
Has the relevance of your craft changed?: Yes, public interest is growing steadily and the hat is again becoming more and more important in fashion. Yet it is still a niche, as the quality of craft needs to be reflected in the price, which unfortunately does not make it affordable for everyone.

Fiona Bennett is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1988