Nellie Pitts – Milliner
From Mosh Pits to Millinery
Welcome to the home of headwear that’s a little bit refined and a little bit “rock ‘n’ roll.” If you’re looking for a hat that says “I have impeccable taste” with a side of “I once managed a tour bus,” you’ve come to the right place.
The Backstory: A Scenic Detour
Nellie started her journey studying Art and Photography at Richmond Upon Thames College. Naturally, she immediately used that high-level creative training to… go into catering.
After mastering the art of the perfect buffet, she spent 15 years as a rock ‘n’ roll tour manager and running a music merch empire. It was loud, it was chaotic, and it involved significantly fewer feathers than her current career.
The Pivot: When the Music Stopped
When the 2020 pandemic hit, the entertainment industry took a stage dive it couldn’t quite recover from. With the tour buses parked, Nellie decided it was time for a creative re-invention. She traded the backstage passes for hat blocks, training under legendary milliners.
By learning age-old hand-crafted hat making techniques from the best in the business, Nellie finally turned a lifelong curiosity into a bespoke reality.
The Aesthetic: Distorted Perfection
Nellie’s signature style? Technically precise, but with a twisted edge. Think of it as couture with a grudge. Using traditional materials like sinamay, felt, and buckram, alongside modern thermoplastics, she builds structures that are as sturdy as they are striking.
Whether it’s delicate silks and feathers or avant-garde wire, twigs, and recycled materials, if it can be pinned to a headpiece, Nellie will make it look like art.
Bespoke Creations & Handmade Hats
Every piece is a bespoke, handmade headpiece designed to turn heads. While you can shop her featured collections, the real magic happens in the collaboration.
Custom Commissions: Need a hat for the races, a wedding, or just a Tuesday?
Tailored Design: We’ll discuss your outfit, your occasion, and your specific level of “extra” to create your perfect match.
Get Creative: Millinery Workshops
Want to get your hands dirty? We host creative workshops perfect for:
Bridal Showers (Fascinators and fizz, anyone?)
Corporate Team-Building (Build a hat, build a bond.)
Festivals & Retreats
Festive Celebrations
Whether you’re a DIY devotee or a total beginner, we’ll help you craft something spectacular.
Ready to get ahead? Contact Nellie today to discuss your custom commission or book a workshop.
Why Nellie? (The SEO Bit)
Rock ‘n’ Roll Pedigree: Because your milliner should have stories as interesting as your hat.
Expertly Crafted: Trained by world-class milliners in traditional and modern techniques.
Unique Style: Specializing in “Distorted Perfection”—bespoke hats with an alternative edge.
Eco-Conscious: Often incorporating recycled materials and sustainable design.