Millinery Malarkey hats are all made by me, Alison Cooper at my home studio in rural Cambridgeshire.
I have always loved making things since as long as I can remember and was hooked on the challenges of making hats after attending an evening class.
I have studied millinery at Central St. Martins, The London College of Fashion and Morley College, London. I have learnt more advanced techniques on a 2-year course at JBH School of Millinery.
In 2022 I won the prestigious Worshipful Company of Feltmakers’ Design Award and I have exhibited hats at London Hat Week.
My hats are inspired by the structural shapes and colours of nature. I incorporate other crafts and materials into my work to develop new designs.
My hats are made to order to reduce waste and aid sustainability. I am the winner of the British Hat Guild ‘Charity Shop to Ascot’ design competition, promoting sustainability in millinery (May 2025).
Portrait by Liz Greenhalgh Photography
Being sustainable
I consider how to be as sustainable as possible all the time, so I source and often use vintage materials and trims in my designs, whilst concentrating on quality and natural materials from the UK wherever possible. This makes my hats even more unique.
SHOP FOR HANDMADE HATS, FACINATORS AND HEADBANDS
A UK Registered Company in England & Wales Company No.: 13695989
Member of the British Millinery Association
‘We’re a group of professional milliners and makers passionate about what we do. We’re here to foster an inclusive, vibrant place of sharing and learning within our dedicated community.
Working alone as so many of us do can be lonely and isolating. It’s so much better to be part of a connected “family” with a shared interest.’
