A Hat Fit for the Burlesque Stage

As some of you may know I spent many years as a professional burlesque performer*.

During that time I had the joy of performing in venues all over the UK, and meeting some amazing people along the way.

Costumes play a big part of creating your stage persona, your presence and your acts in burlesque, so I was thrilled when the fabulous Miss Cherry on Fire got in touch when she was updating one of her costumes to ask if I could make her a bespoke hat as part of the ensemble.

The brief was for a classic smoking style cap, which I adapted from one of my pillbox hat blocks. I covered it in red duchess satin to match the rest of the costume pieces were, and topped it with a long golden tassel.

I love hidden details, so I lined the hat with black satin and a vintage button which had echoes of the costume's details.