Lewes hat-making duo discuss their first book

Sarah Lomax (left) and Rachel Skinner in their studio. Photograph by Peter Cripps

Rachel O'Brien talks to bespoke milliners Rachel Skinner and Sarah Lomax following the publication of their first book

Special occasions, be it a wedding, graduation or raceday, call for that extra something to lift an outfit.

For many, such events are an opportunity to wear a hat or headpiece.

“Everyone seems to have quite a fascination with hats,” says Rachel Skinner, co-founder of Lewes-based bespoke milliners Lomax & Skinner.

Two of the hat projects in Millinery: The Art of Hat-making. Photographs by Neal Grundy

“Many people have a story about a favourite hat, or maybe a lost hat. They bring back so many memories,” she continues.

Rachel and Sarah Lomax have both been designing and making hats for more than 20 years.

In October, they published their first book – Millinery: The Art of Hat-making. It features 12 step-by-step projects – there’s a twist on the classic trilby, a feathered cocktail number and a bridal headdress with a detachable trim. There are also sections with advice and tips on equipment, materials and techniques.

They launched the title at the Depot cinema, on Pinwell Road, on September 30.

“Our book launch was absolutely standing room only,” says Rachel. “We were gobsmacked. We were totally overwhelmed with the support and interest, and we sold out of books that night.

“It was so well received,” she adds.

Lomax & Skinner was born in 2013, but Rachel and Sarah have known each other since the eighties; they met while working as apprentices for Frederick Fox, then milliner to the Queen – a role he had for some 35 years.

Sarah secured the role after art college; she went to London planning to knock on the doors of all the milliners, starting at Stephen Jones and then Fox. Jones was out, but Fox was in and interviewed her on the spot.

“I think he was probably quite astonished by my approach, even then,” says Sarah.

Rachel, who had been studying at the London College of Fashion, was put forward for an interview by a tutor.

“You couldn’t really believe some of the things you were working on,” she says of the apprenticeship.

After working with Fox, they had stints together working with Stephen Jones, who has created hats for designers such as Vivienne Westwood, and then went on to pursue different things.