The Company
Yvette Jelfs, designer of couture, hand-made hats and head-dressings, creates a unique and original look for each of her clients, including a wide selection of celebrities and royalty.
Yvette was the commentator at Royal Ascot for ten years as the fashion guru, and not only impresses us with her flair and imagination for design, but also with her wit and enthusiasm.
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. Graham 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 own constant canine companion, Peanut.
"Yvette worked on designs by Graham for Princess Diana, The Duchess of York, The Duchess of Kent and many other celebrities."
Yvette's designs have garnered much interest from some of the UK's most prestigious department stores. She also remains a committed supporter of the UK racing industry, judging the all important 'Best Dressed Race Goers' at Newmarket, Goodwood, Ascot and other racecourses throughout the UK.
TV, Film, Theatre and Fashion
We offer a hire or purchase service for TV, Theatre, Film and Fashion Shoots/Styling. Please contact us with your enquiries. Couture one-off's made to order (e.g. Gothic Good & Bad, see photo left).
Speaker for Education & Events
Yvette Jelfs not only holds great educational and fun courses in Millinery, but she is also available for speaking at schools, universities or private functions on the ancient trade of Millinery. This is a fun and interactive talk with lots of visual examples of millinery through history, millinery techniques, hats and headpieces aswell as audience participation! Please contact us for further information.