So excited to finally meet Ellen Christine and experience her outstanding hats and headpieces in person. I came across to Ellen Christine Couture when I first saw handmade hats at the Milliners Guild that were on display as they were celebrating NY Textile Month in September 2019. There were twenty-four fall hats using Guild brand colors with innovative millinery techniques and beautiful textiles including fur, felts, silk, leather and wool. Ellen’s hat was the off-white/cream base felt hat draped with orange grosgrain ribbon and trimmed with feathers that were dyed in complementary tones to match the ribbon. Her statement hat was displayed at the center of the window above the table prop, and my eyes were immediately drawn to her exquisite hat. I looked up the name of designer and since then, I’ve been a huge fan and stayed up-to-date with her designs through Instagram.
Ellen Christine Couture Millinery is one of those epic long-running showroom/studio presenting a high-end line of intricate designer hats and headpieces for women and men. I was so delighted to be welcomed to see Ellen’s work. When I arrived, I was greeted by Camille (one of Ellen’s assistants) as she came down to escort me to the 4th floor of the building. The studio is very impressive. As soon as I entered the studio: on the left, there was a workstation with a big craft desk filled with fabrics and sewing supplies. Next to it was a wall panel that separated the workstation and the showroom. On the paneling was attached with various magazine covers such as Vogue, New York Times, W and many editorial magazines. I was in awe by all the hats that hung all over the walls and laid out on the big two shelves. A French sectional sofa was very welcoming to sit and try some hats on.
Ellen greeted me casually and introduced me to her interned crews (they were from France). With over 100 unique pieces that range from the sleek and sophisticated hats to dramatic and whimsical head accessories at the West Soho showroom, I was in for real treat. Ellen is a very cool and kind lady. She gave me full permission to try her hats and she even carefully looked for hats that would compliment my shape of face and outfit I was wearing.
While she put on some hats on me, I learned a bit of backstory in each hat. Like this one Cairo cloche hat was made from the embroidered felt piece from estate collection in 1920s.
This fanciful Emery hat was inspired by Prada and designed with vinyl, faux fur and hand-painted marabou Ostrich feathers. I really love the playful and edged details of this warm peach toned hat. This luxurious hat can wear from street fashion to red carpet venue.
Beret is a major street style trend that can be seen everywhere. Ellen has a beautiful take on this classic style and has created a crushed velvet oversized beret that is tailored and cute – made from crushed velvet with pom pom.
Not only will you find unique aesthetic and luxurious hat designs, but there are a lot accessories that seem to emanate from different time periods. Ellen told me her hats were just like movies – each one represents different story. You can find Ellen’s pieces from $200 up to $2,000 or more if it’s a special order. Her pieces are so fun and when you try them on, you’ll be tempted to buy them all.
I had such a fun time visiting Ellen Christine Couture; special thanks to Ellen for taking the time styling me with her beautiful hats and patiently explaining me to me about her creations. Thanks Camille as well – I wouldn’t have had beautiful photos for my blog without your help. Thank you to the rest of the crew who made my visit so lovely (As I stood in the showroom, that had a European ambience, the people conversed in French, and for a moment I was back in Paris).
Shop: at www.ellenchristinecouture.com/
Follow Instagram: @ellenchristinenyc
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Contact:
99 Vandam St #4E, New York, NY 10013
+1 212-242-2457
ellenchristine.ny@gmail.com
