Meet our Founder
Nicola specialises in handcrafting couture millinery, hats, fascinators and bridal headwear. Nicola uses couture stitching and creates beautiful hats for formal occasions. She is the creative founder of the designer brand Nicola Grace Millinery.
Nicola studied art and design to degree level and specialised in textiles. Millinery has enabled Nicola to combine all her textiles skills of sewing, embroidery, 3D scultpture, flower art and beading.
Credit to @derekdunlopphotography
A special note from Nicola…
“I know how important a wedding day is and the special memories it will create for years to come. Being a part of that is so special to me and I can help you achieve the unique bridal headpiece that you have always dreamed of.
My millinery is a creative passion that I have developed over that last few years, and have turned that passion into a business. I dedicate my time to ensuring each piece is created to the highest quality. I always say that,
‘I put a little piece of my heart, into each piece I design’.
It truly does mean the world to me to be able to bring my creative designs to life, and see my clients wear them to their special events and celebrations, whether that is to a wedding, to the races or more!”
Our awards and certificates
British Millinery Association
Nicola has been a member of the British Millinery Association since May 2021, this has allowed Nicola to develop her skills even further and network with other Milliners within the UK.
Mad Hatters Society – 10th Annual Awards
Nicola submitted her creation, see picture to the left, into the competition in March 2021. The competition was judged by Lars Nilsson, who is a Haute Couture fashion designer and a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Nicola was awarded 2nd place in the competition. Lars was impressed by the whimsical and stylish piece, noting he especially liked the organza feather, which was sustainably hand made by Nicola in her design studio.
Millinery and Business Qualification
In 2021 Nicola successfully completed the Katherine Elizabeth Millinery and Business qualification.
Mad Hatter’s Society Competition 2023
I was awarded 6th Place by Judge Jenny Pfanenstiel of Forme Millinery USA
Theme to design a hat based on a song. I chose to create a hat based on the epic ballad by Prince, Purple Rain. It is a hand-blocked circle base with a button crown base and over a 1000 glass crystal beads, hand-beaded on to wire and hand-stitched into place to create the purple rain drops.
Nicola won a prize from Svetlana Present perfect Creation. Nicola loves Svetlana’s tutorials on creating realistic faux flowers in silk and leather and is looking forward to learning a new flower art.
Awarded Inspiring Creative Milliner Oct 2021 by Katherine Elizabeth London Hat designer – A felt hat design inspired by vintage hat style and Grange Over Sands railway station as inspiration for the design.