About Yvette Jelfs :: Edinburgh Milliner

Yvette Jelfs, designer of couture, hand-made hats and headdressings, creates a unique and original look for each of her clients, ranging from a wide selection of celebrities and royalty. Also the commentator at Royal Ascot for the past nine years as the fashion guru, Yvette not only impresses us with her flair and imagination for design, but also with her wit and enthusiasm. Yvette Jelfs Ltd. is based at St Ann's Bank House in Edinburgh, the former Holyrood farmhouse built in 1710. With extensive gardens and spacious workroom, it is the perfect location for learning the art of millinery in a relaxed and inspiring environment. Yvette began making hats as an apprentice to Peter Bettley, a company in Luton, before progressing to Kangol where she worked with the legendary milliner Graham Smith, who is famous in the industry for hand rolling the brim of a hat so beautifully the stitching seems invisible. Yvette worked on designs by Graham for Princess Diana, The Duchess of York, The Duchess of Kent and many other celebrities. Moving to company Wright Impression, which provides high street fashion stores such as Debenhams and Next, Yvette worked with and befriended the now famous London milliner Philip Treacy. She was even responsible for giving Philip his much loved Jack Russell, Mr Pig, who is cousin to her constant canine companion, Peanut. As Yvette's designs begin to garner much interest from some of the UK's most prestigious department stores. She remains a committed supporter of the UK racing industry, judging the all important 'Best Dressed Race Goers' at Newmarket, Goodwood and Ascot and other courses throughout the UK.