





Nelly Bichet
Milliner
Saint-Nazaire, France
A savoir-faire in playful designs
- Nelly loves to work with beautiful natural materials and high-quality finishes
- Committed to upholding her savoir-faire, she co-authored a book on millinery techniques
- She sometimes transforms a used hat into a new shape so the wearer can further enjoy it
Nelly Bichet studied fine arts, and discovered the craft of millinery while looking for training in costume design. She opened her workshop in 1999. Inspired by nature, especially the plant world, as well as the history of fashion and style, Nelly creates bespoke pieces and limited editions. "Materials, colours and textures are always the starting point of my designs," she explains. Then come the search for volume and the meticulous work of finishing. With each hat, Nelly aims to reflect the personality of the person who will wear it. She loves creating unique pieces for unique people. "My greatest joy may well be the moment when a client discovers their bespoke hat," she says. "I feel like a fairy who has granted a wish.”
Discover her work
INTERVIEW
The hat called Whisper, that I created in collaboration with a photographer, received the Ateliers d’Art de France Creative Award, so this one is particularly special to me.
Yes, always. I work alongside another milliner in my workshop and collaborate with two designers who create dresses and handbags. These exchanges give me strength and energy, and allow me to go further in my creative process.
Teaching has been deeply rewarding on a human level and has helped me formalise the transmission of skills that I have always practised. Since the beginning, I welcomed interns into my workshop. Teaching also inspired me to write a book about the techniques of my craft.
The objects I make are designed to accompany people throughout their daily lives, or during particularly important occasions. I always offer to transform them afterwards so they can be used again. This gives meaning to my work, which is rooted in the rhythm of people's lives. I have enormous respect for the materials I use because they can be transformed endlessly.
Nelly Bichet
Milliner
Saint-Nazaire, France
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+33 672751924
LANGUAGES
French, English
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