ELLE introduces the designers shaking up the millinery scene - with tongue firmly in cheek...

Piers Atkinson

Following in the footsteps of his milliner mother, Hilary Elliot, Piers Atkinson’s creations are brilliantly bonkers. His hats are regularly worn by the likes of Lady Gaga and Anna Della Russo.

£343 Luisaviaroma

Maison Michel

Now owned by Chanel, Paris-based Maison Michel was founded in 1936. Decades on, they are still creating chic headwear with a playful twist, stocking everything from Panamas to pillboxes.

£210 Monier Freres

Marie Mercie

After a career as an artist and journalist, Marie decided to turn her hand to millinery and opened her first store in 1987. Each hat is made in her Paris atelier using traditional techniques mixed with contemporary fabrics and off-beat designs. Her most recognisable? The cat hat.

£320 Avenue 32

Eugenia Kim

The story goes that the New York-based designer made her first hat to hide a bad haircut. After receiving compliments on it from several prominent boutique owners, she decided to start her own business and the rest is history.

£86 Eugenia Kim

Bernstock Spiers

Paul Bernstock and Thelma Speirs met while studying Fashion and Textiles at Middlesex University in 1982. Originally inspired by the underground club scene, the pair are best known for their much-copied veiled beanie.

£110 Bernstock Spiers

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ELLE Edits: Happy Fashion