Worshipful Company of Feltmakers Design Competition 2025

The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers’ Design competition was started over 30 years ago with the aim of encouraging individuals into the hat trade. Initially it was open to students and apprentices but over the years it has been opened up to new start-ups as well in recognition of the different paths that people are now taking into the industry. Entrants are invited to design at hat that is predominantly made of felt and that can be reproduced in a workroom or factory. The designs need to show innovation and originality but must also be able to be worn comfortably, they must work on the head!

The competition this year was judged on April 1^st at Haberdashers Hall. It was a stellar year with over 40 applicants. Following an initial zoom call with the judges, 25 entrants were then selected to send in their physical hats. We had entries from UK colleges, new start-ups as well as apprentices. We also had applications from Vienna, Slovenia, and Italy. The entries were all so interesting and of a very high standard. It was the toughest judging we have had in many a year which made for a very interesting debate to decide the winning hats. This year we had 6 judges: milliners Noel Stewart, Edwina Ibbotson and Victoria Grant along with retired hat manufacturer William Horsman, editor-in-chief of the Hat Magazine, Elly Stemerdink, and Rachel Trevor Morgan, milliner and competition organiser.

Towards the end of the deliberations, the judges were joined by Jeremy Bedford, Master of the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers, The Lady Mayoress, Mrs Florence King and the Shrieval consorts, Ms Rosali Pretorius, Mrs Miranda Chalk and the company pro-tem clerk, Emma Whitaker.

We are grateful to Danielle for modelling and to Elly for taking the photographs.

The results of the competition are as follows:

First Prize – Antonia De Luca (New start-up)

£1500 prize money

Antonia’s hat was a huge statement piece made on a wire frame with interwoven pieces of coloured felt. Her hat had impact and was beautifully constructed. Its colour and form were inspired by the colours and flow of the Danish designer Verner Panton. The shape is based on the classic Mexican sombrero.

Second Prize – Olesya Solilina (Morley College)

£1000 prize money

Oleysia’s hat was based on the tall hat that was part of traditional Welsh costume. The main shape was made in felt. Then, taking inspiration from the slate quarries of North Wales, she soldered copper wire geometric pieces with different materials attached. These were placed tumbling down the side of the tall crown as rocks falling down from a mountain.

Third Prize – Annabeth Fernley (The King’s Foundation)

£750 prize money

Annabeth is the first winner from the new King’s Foundation course at Highgrove. Her hat was inspired by the tiered fountain in Highgrove gardens and tiers in architecture. This oversize hat was beautifully made and wearable.

Craftsmanship – Susan Ryan

£250 prize money

Susans ‘Burning Brae’ is a comment on the wildfires that can take hold in the Scottish landscape. Her hat uses the best-known Scottish items in her design, Tartan, Thistles and a pheasant feather with the burnt orange representing fire.

Commercial Appeal – Alice Harvey (Apprentice, Mille Fleurs)

£250 prize money

Alice’s piece was beautifully crafted and very saleable. Inspired by the Kent countryside in which she lives. Her strawberry headpiece is an homage to British farmers and a celebration of the changing seasons.

Artwork and Presentation – Alice To (New start-up)

£250 prize money

The judges loved Alices’ witty hat and artwork. Based on Liquorice Allsorts, its execution was considered and fun.

Innovative Use of Felt – Rosie Shaw (Morley College)

£250 prize money

Rosie’s hat was inspired by the National Theatre’s production of London Tide, based Charles Dickens’ last novel, Our Mutual Friend. The setting of the play is based around the Thames and the docklands of Wapping and Deptford. Her hat is in a Chinese style, with a simple semi conical crown sitting atop a heap of ropes.

The winning designs were displayed at the annual Feltmakers Banquet at Mansion House in June.

For further information please follow @feltmakers on instagram

Rachel Trevor-Morgan