Glass talks hats and the UK countryside with British milliner Vivien Sheriff
“I am lucky to be working in the countryside, close to nature, which is the kind of inspiring environment that I love,” says Vivien Sheriff, a self-taught British milliner whose hats and headpieces are now sold in the likes of Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Fenwick or Browns.
Sheriff became a favourite to the Royal family since the Royal wedding, where a number of attendees wore her creations, and with the Duchess of Cambridge making appearances wearing Vivien Sheriff head-pieces on several occasions.
Vivien Sheriff’s sequinned headpiece from AW15 collection
Sheriff started her hat-making business 10 years ago in a small workroom on her own as she felt there was a gap in the market for wearable yet beautiful headwear. Today, she is in charge of her own closely-knit team and has her own atelier in Downton, Wiltshire, near her New Forest home, taking on the role of creative director.
Vivien Sheriff AW15 hat
“I have a talented, dedicated and hard-working team who make me proud of everything that we have achieved. Every day at 1pm, we put aside work and eat together around one big table. In the summer, we sit outside looking at the breathtaking view and, as there isn’t a shop or anything for two miles, our lunches are generally home-made and very healthy,” says Sheriff.
Vivien Sheriff campaign featuring the feathered Astral headpiece from AW15 collection
Sheriff’s designs are traditionally inspired by nature and wildlife surrounding her studio, as well as vintage textiles which she has a soft spot for and her love of colour. Feathers have become a signature material as they are so often used in Sheriff’s sculptural designs, often intricately layered, reflecting the influence of natural beauty. A single peacock feather even made its way into the company’s logo.
Hat from Vivien Sheriff’s AW15 collection
For her AW15 collection, the milliner was inspired by the latest scientific discoveries and explorations in the outer space with designs entitled Eclipse, Luna or Astral. “We wanted to create a feeling of awe and wonder. We achieved movement and texture through our dramatic use of feathers which gives some of the pieces an almost fiery, explosive look,” explains Sheriff.
Eclipse headpiece by Vivien Sheriff
Sculpted loops from sinamay fabric and curved silhouettes covered with sequined bronze and pewter stay true to Sheriff’s sculptural aesthetic. For daywear, the collection offers wool felt fedoras and warm berets. “We have added a contemporary twist through our use of colour and by trimming the hats with soft suede and tied felt bands,” adds Sheriff.
by Sara Hesikova
Images courtesy of Vivien Sheriff
Opening image: Vivien Sheriff