About Me

With a background in Fashion Design and years working in many different areas, from Design Assistant to Style Advising and Retail Management, it wasn't until I discovered the beauty of fascinators and my love of making them till I found my true calling in life....to adorn the crowning glories of all  Femme Fatales, Burlesque Beauties and Beautiful Brides-to-be!

Although I am not French, I decided to name my label Mes Petits Chapeaux after my love of all things French and my favourite city in the world -París!!

My work is inspired by the original Burlesque dancers of the Folies Bergere and the Moulin Rouge, including Betty Rowland and Gypsy Rose Lee,as well as pin-up girls like Bettie Page and Marilyn Monroe. My bridal Collection is inspired by Marie Antoinette and Flappers of the 1920's and evokes a very vintage, victoriana feel.

Each of my work is handstitched with love and it is the little touches...a swarovski rhinestone here or a sparkling diamante there, that make my pieces special, bring them to life and make you sparkle in the light !

Achievements

My little hats featured in many fashion shows in 2010, including Xposé Live in Dublin and Cork, the EYP   Mad Hatters Tea Party and  Ruby Rouge's Style Icons through the Ages. Click on highlighted links to view photos.

I had 4 amazing photo shoots in 2010 and 2 so far in 2011 with fantastic Irish Fashion Photographer, Maria McGrail . Some of the photos from our collaborations feature on her website www.mariamcgrail.com so make sure you visit and see if you can find them!!

My work also featured in shoots by top photographers Kip Caroll, German Collins, Stephen Duffin and Jason McDonald throughout 2010 and I also had a photoshoot with an amazing group of girls who form a  beauty team called Wings of Envy.  This shoot was featured on their website accompanied with an interview by yours truly.

To check out 3 reviews written about 'Mes Petits Chapeaux' click on the following links. The first is by fashion journalist Niamh O'Reilly from BeautyCouture.ie, next is by the fab Elaine Scully from Chiconomics.ie and finally the lovely Brenda Tuite from KateandAva.ie.)

2010 ended with the fantastic news that I was nominated and shortlisted in the top 5 of the People's Choice Designer Category in Faye Dinsmore's 'Irelands Most Influential in Fashion 2010 Awards'. 

At the moment I am working on a Photo Book with another fantastic, creative photographer called Peter Cierniak of Photocraft Art. We are collaborating together on this project to produce a book of beautiful images to promote both our work. We have had a few shoots so far but a lot more to come!! You can view Peter's wonderfully, edgy, conceptual Fashion Photography at www.pcpa.eu.

Watch this space for more updates and achievements to come .... ;)

Stockists

Ruby Rouge, Gorey, Co. Wexford

Diamonds and Pearls, Edenderry, Co. Offaly

Jingles Boutique, Naas, Co. Kildare.

Truly Bridal Boutique, Naas, Co. Kildare

Lola Rose Boutique,  Co.Kilkenny.

Dunloe Designer Boutique, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.

Avaluk Craft Shop,Inistioge, Kilkenny.

If you are interested in any of my work please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Merci beaucoup

Loraine xxx