Since 1995 has been the official hat maker to British royalty and those looking for top quality, ladylike headgear have found it with this London based milliner.

Somerville began to work as a hat maker in 1972. Starting out as a subcontractor in the millinery departments, of luxury department stores such as Harrod’s and Saks 5th Avenue. After 15 successful years the New Zealander opened his own store in London’s most elegant shopping street, Bond Street (he has since moved to Marylebone). While his younger customers enjoy his wilder creations, the Queen still wears Somerville’s hats to Ascot. Somerville sticks to his basic premise of perfectionism combined with premium materials. And that extends to the detail – for instance, in his “safety secrets”, which are tucked inside the hat to prevent it from flying off in windy weather.
Asked about the Queen’s hat preferences, Somerville has replied that “it really depends on the weather,” or “her hats must co-ordinate with her outfits.” How every British!

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