Dame Kristin Scott Thomas

We would like to say congratulations to Dame Kristin Scott Thomas who was recently honoured for her services to drama. Soon to play the Queen herself in The Audience at London's West End, Kristin Scott Thomas came face to face with Her Majesty when she recently accepted her dame-hood at Buckingham Palace. 

  

She opted for a classic sophisticated Navy coat and dress along with our pillbox hat which we dyed exclusively to match. We worked with her chosen garments to create a simplistically chic design that complemented the colour tone and incorporated her style.

For more information on our bespoke service please call us on 01873 855923 or email enquiries@alisontod.co.uk 

Hats for Ascot 2015

At last years Royal Ascot our customers hats caught the attention of the press, featuring in both Grazia & Daily Mail online. 

We work with all our customers individually to create an outstanding piece of millinery that will make them stand out from the crowds. We incorporate each customers style as well as taking inspiration from their chosen garment in order to create a totally bespoke piece. 

If you have found your outfit ready for Ascot 2015 you can book an appointment in our Abergavenny hat shop in order for us begin making the perfect hat to accompany it! 

To avoid disappointment please book an appointment by calling 01873 855923 or email enquiries@alisontod.co.uk

Here are some more of our hats that featured at Royal Ascot Ladies Day last year......

In The Press: Tiara Magazine Feature

In the current Spring issue of Tiara magazine you can find out more about Alison's story about how her business began in her exclusive interview. 

You can also find our blue fascinator featured on the outfit inspiration page. 

Mother Of The Bride Hats

Whether your looking for a traditional or statement piece of millinery for your daughters wedding, here at our Abergavenny hat shop you'll be sure to find something unique to compliment your chosen outfit.

Over the years we have worked with a number of ladies looking for their perfect Mother of the Bride Hat. By working closely with each client to find a shape which suits and feels comfortable we create a hat or fascinator that has an extra special tailored design. We use the client's outfit as inspiration for the design, achieving the same colour tone and finish, which allows both elements to compliment each other bringing the whole ensemble together. 

As Mother of the Bride, a hat is a must-have accessory as it allows you to stand out from the other guests while enhancing the elegant and sophisticated look of your outfit. With the Spring season fast approaching we have an array of delicate pastel tones hats to choose from that are suited to the current occasion wear trends for this year. 

We can take away the worry and stresses of finding a hat to match your outfit by creating a bespoke piece inspired by the garments that you have chosen. The beading, colour tone, fabrics and style can all be replicated within the design of your hat to create a spectacular piece that you will feel comfortable with. We also offer an exclusive dyeing service which allows you to give your hat a bespoke colour tone, one that mirrors the hue of your occasion dress or accessories. 

Here is a selection of the past Mother of the Bride hats that we have created over the years >> 

For further information on our Mother of the Bride service please contact 01873 855923 or email enquiries@alisontod.co.uk.  We will also be at Glanusk Wedding Fayre which is taking place on Sunday 29th March from 11am - 4pm. 

‘Regarded as an innovator in the hat world’ Harpers & Queen

Alison began with academic training in fashion & textile design completing A - Levels, Foundation, Degree, Post-Graduate and also an apprenticeship in London with the leading millinery businesses whose clients included Princess Diana, Lady Thatcher and Joan Collins as well as the leading retailers such as Simpsons of Piccadilly, Harrods, Libertys. She funded her studies by working at the prestigious Charles & Patricia Lester couture studio. 

Since established in 1990 Alison has won many awards including the accessory award at Westminster Palace, the Welsh fashion awards for both fashion & accessories, for spectacular one-off designs, and the supplier of the year award largest retail buying group in the country. She is also one of only a handful of Welsh designers selected to show their work in the official London Fashion Week exhibition adorning the heads of top models such as Erin O'Connor and Carmen Dell'orefice. Her hats will also feature at the Celtic Manor wedding fayre this weekend.       

'Alison Tod makes hats, but what hats! Each one is handmade, each a production of creative inspiration. I would class her as a sculptor.' David Hurn, Magnum Photographer 

‘Alison Tod is to millinery, as Julian McDonald is to knitwear’ Hillary Alexander, Fashion Editor, The Telegraph.

Alison's Abergavenny hat shop & studio attracts many talented and experienced individuals who are involved in the production of her designs. Some of whom are leading fashion and theatrical costumiers previously having worked with many a celebrity. Many girls who have worked for Alison in the past have gone on to progress within the fashion industry and have become senior mangers in retail head offices, have started their own fashion companies in London and have gone on to work in television costume departments. Students have gone on to study in top colleges such as London College of fashion, St Martins College of Fashion and Nottingham Trent as well as University of South Wales where Alison is a honorary fellow. 

‘Alison could design for Chanel or Dior tomorrow’ Ollie Picton Jones, Fashion journalist

Bespoke Millinery by Alison Tod

If you have a special occasion approaching whether it be a wedding, race-day or a Royal Garden Party then a visit to our hat shop in Abergavenny, South Wales is a must. 

As well as our ready-to-wear pieces we also offer a bespoke, couture millinery service, creating pieces which are tailored to both your outfit and style. Alison will work with you to design and create a truly outstanding piece that will transform your outfit. If needed we also have the exclusive ability to dye a hat so that it becomes an exact tonal match to your outfit. 

With our array decorative trims which include beads, feathers, flowers, bows and even luxury hand pleated & hand-dyed silk ribbons created by couture designers Charles & Patricia Lester, we will be able to create the ultimate statement piece of millinery allowing you to stand out from the crowd. 

We do advise that you bring your chosen outfit with you to your appointment as this allows us to match the colour tone, fabrics and style with your hat. 

You can book an appointment by calling us on 01873 855923 or emailing enquiries@alisontod.co.uk

Bespoke Bridal Fascinators

As well as creating hats for the Mother of Bride & Groom, wedding guests and many other special occasions Alison also creates spectacular Bridal fascinators tailored to your wedding dress. As something a bit different from a traditional veil, a bridal fascinator is perfect for adding a subtle detail to enhance the elegance of your wedding dress. 

Having something that is bespoke will make sure you have a headwear piece that is just as special as your dress. It will compliment the both the materials and style of the dress while also bringing a graceful finish to your wedding attire. Having a smaller detail will also be more practical allowing you to be comfortable throughout your wedding day.

Here are some examples of some of our past bridal fascinators........

   

To book an appointment or for further information please call 01873 855923 

By Royal Invitation

We have many inspiring events coming up this year to look forward to but one that we are truly excited for is The Queen's Garden Party. Alison recently received an invitation to the Spring event, of which she kindly accepted, and she has now began making her very special hat for the all important occasion.  

Feeling honoured to be in receipt of this invitation we decided to take a look back at some of our millinery creations that have been worn by attendees of past Royal occasions.  

Countess Darnley in her role as Lord Lieutenant with Her Majesty The Queen 

Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, Dame Rosemary Butler AM

Alexandra Pettifer at Prince Harry's passing out parade at Sandhurst, where he graduated as an army officer to join the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals. 

Mary Taylor with her award at an investiture in Windsor Castle

Send us your photos of your palace visits to enquiries@alisontod.co.uk, we know there are hundreds out there! If you have a royal occasion approaching and your in need of a special hat please arrange an appointment by email or phone 01873 855923.    

Hats For The Cheltenham Races

With Cheltenham Ladies Day taking place on March 11th in under two months we're showcasing our best hats fit the glamourous occasion.

Our pillbox hats will add a chic and sophisticated style to a raceday outfit. This bold colourful collection will enhance a vibrant outfit or can be used to coincide with accessories. The addition of the jewel tones present a quirky modern twist to a classic hat design.

We also have a selection of other styles on display at our Abergavenny hat shop featuring more muted tones. Available in a range of textures and designs we will be sure to have something that will compliment and enhance both the fabric and style of your outfit.

To start creating your hat ready for the races, book an appointment by calling us on 01873 855923 or email enquiries@alisontod.co.uk. 

Hat Colour Trend Forecast - Spring 2015

To get in preparation for the occasion filled Spring season ahead we have collated some of the top colour trends from the recent catwalk shows........ 

CITRUS

This spring these strong, punchy citrus colours are set to be a popular colour choice. Spotted in collections from Michael Kors to Chloe, colours like yellow & lime green are set to become upbeat staples for Spring.

BLACK & WHITE

Continuing through to this Spring is this sophisticated monochrome style. With the use of bold patterns and fabric textures this seasons outfits have been given a dynamic look, reinventing those timeless classics. Our array of black and white hats emulate the chic style with a using a variety of formations & detailing.          

PASTEL TONES

This soft, clean colour palette is perfect for the Spring season. With a mixture of delicate ballet tones teamed with a floral design you can create a classic feminine outfit ideal for a special occasion. We have both hats & fascinators in our collection which can be used to subtly compliment your outfit.