Feltmakers Hat Design Award 2021

The annual Feltmaker’s Design Competition is without doubt a major award for those working towards a career in millinery, being tailored specifically for students, apprentices and those who have recently launched headwear businesses of their own. With no set theme, the competition opens the door for innovative design to develop processes, shapes, styles and interesting combinations of felt with other materials. Seven prizes are given overall, including one for artwork, which must be submitted with each hat, to show the thought process and inspiration behind the design, including the construction and any new developments used in the making.

Due to the pandemic the competition was organised a little differently this year. Entrants were first requested to send in images of their hats together with the relevant backing information digitally. All the information was then collated and sent out to the judges electronically. An initial selection was then made with those shortlisted being asked to send in physical hats and artwork. The final judging took place on May 6th.
Rachel Trevor Morgan, Edwina Ibbotson and Hilary Alexander were there in person and Bill Horsman, Eda Rose and Carole Denford who joined via Zoom.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2021 Feltmakers Hat Design Competition: 

First Prize – Sarah Blackmore – KCC/Morley College HNC graduate (2020)
Second Prize – Lucy Davies – Justine Bradley-Hill student
Third Prize – Rebecca Gray – KCC/Morley College

Craftsmanship Award – Fleur Curtis – New starter, Oscar & Willow Millinery
Commercial Appeal Award – New starter, Ellie Millinery
Innovative Use of Felt – Nara Taylor – KCC/Morley College
Artwork and Presentation – Nike Lachner – Fashion Institute Vienna

Congratulations to you all.