A Milanese legacy of hats and fascinators
- Laura is a fourth generation milliner
- Her hats are handmade with archival fabrics and materials
- At 16 years old, she created a bespoke piece for opera singer Giulietta Simionato
Each hat handcrafted by Laura Marelli reflects the unique personality of the person who commissions it. Since 1980, she has been the guardian of her family's millinery tradition. Her atelier, Gallia e Peter, was founded in 1930 and named after her grandmother and great-grandmother. Originally, the atelier was located on Via Montenapoleone, in the heart of Milan's prestigious fashion street. "Visiting the atelier today is like taking a step back in time to an era when hats were an essential part of everyday life and special occasions alike," she says. Today, Laura's workspace is recognised as a historic workshop, her savoir-faire is woven into the Milanese identity, and her hats are frequently characterised by collaborations with couture houses.
Interview
- Do you remember what your first creation was?
- One of my earliest memories was making a fascinator with a veil and feathers for opera singer Giulietta Simionato. I was only 16 years old, but my grandmother trusted sharing with me what the client wanted. I received compliments personally from Ms. Simionato. This experience also taught me the importance of fulfilling a client's wishes.
- What inspires your millinery?
- I sometimes look back on Gallia e Peter's historic archive, and I take inspiration from hat blocks, sketches, fabric samples and magazines. I am also influenced by nature and art. But most importantly, I draw from the client's face and poise, as they inspire me to make hats that will suit them best.
- Do you feel a duty to carry tradition forward?
- I do, and it is a huge responsibility. I feel like I am the guardian of an endangered art, so I try to preserve it to the best of my abilities. This is why I have digitised my archive and created a website that treasures my creations.
- What message do you wish to convey through your practice?
- Beauty and quality require dedication. A handmade hat is a piece of the soul, not a consumer product. In most cases, it is carefully preserved as a true heirloom. Young girls often bring me Gallia e Peter hats that belonged to their grandmothers for customisation, and I am always happy to work on them!
Laura Marelli is a master artisan: she began her career in 1974 and she started teaching in 1990
Where
Laura Marelli
