Couture Headbands and Prongs with Floating Feathers: An LHW Masterclass with Ian Bennett

Couture milliner Ian Bennett will show you how to make your own headbands complete with a floating feather.

Have you ever wanted to create a custom Alice band or make prongs for that special headpiece but didn’t know how? Ian Bennett will show you how to use wire to create a custom-made headband. Working with already dyed feathers, he will then show you how to attach and create a bold statement using ‘floating’ feathers.

This course is suitable for all skill levels, but an understanding of wire work and feathers would be beneficial. Whilst this is a technique based class, students should be able to take home a finished headpiece.

Ian Bennett MA (RCA) has a love of millinery that extends well beyond the mere process of hat-making. He has loved creating millinery for the English National Opera and the many actors in film and costume dramas, including Uma Thurman and Robert Pattinson, along with special headwear for HM Queen Elizabeth II and Madonna. When Ian looks back over his 25 years in hat making, which includes winning the prestigious Hat Magazine Hat Designer of the Year, working for Royal milliners Frederick Fox, Philip Sommerville and Graham Smith, along with Stephen Jones and Siggi Hats in their incredible workrooms, he recognises that his love for hats is all about drama, perfection, excitement, love and passion. Winning the Karl Lagerfeld scholarship and making hats for HM the Queen at Buckingham Palace have been just two of the many highlights Ian has enjoyed throughout his career.

Tea and coffee will be provided and there will be a 1 hour break for lunch. Students can bring their own lunch or purchase something to eat from one of the nearby cafes or restaurants.

All materials will be provided although students are welcome to bring their own sewing kit if they would prefer.

Book here