Wednesday, February 25, 2015

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. 

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

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 >> 

Alison Tod - Mother of the bride hats

Alison Tod - Mother of the bride hats

Alison Tod - Mother of the bride hats


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. 

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

‘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

Monday, February 9, 2015

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

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

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........
   
Bridal Fascinator - Alison Tod

Bridal Fascinator - Alison Tod

Bridal Fascinator - Alison Tod

Bridal Fascinator - Alison Tod

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