Meet Annabel Hitchen of Annabel Allen Millinery

Credit: Steve Lee Photoworks

Tell us about your company...
After a career in London's fashion industry, I moved to Sydney and took up millinery as a hobby – I needed a hat for the races and making one seemed the best way to get what I wanted! I undertook several courses and an apprenticeship back in Bristol before launching Annabel Allen Millinery, which specialises in creating bespoke and ready-to-wear pieces made by hand using traditional skills.

What's your favourite product you offer?
I love the elegance of Eve. Its sleek form is eye-catching without being too excessive for most people's tastes. I was delighted last year when Princess Beatrice chose to wear it for the Colonel's review.

Why should couples choose local suppliers for their wedding?
Couples put so much thought into every element of their day and it's such a shame if they don't get what they want. Choosing local suppliers means they know exactly what they're getting and that the person they're getting it from cares about the quality of their product. They can also get friendly advice and guidance, which isn't so easy when ordering online!

If you could design a product for a celebrity, who would it be?
To design a hat for Audrey Hepburn would be the ultimate dream; she was the epitome of elegance and style. She wore hats so beautifully, letting them talk but not drown her out. I believe hats should accentuate the wearer's personality rather than override it.

Visit www.annabelallenmillinery.co.uk