A LIGHTENING BOLT MOMENT. That’s how Lincoln woman Rosalie Marwood describes the instant she realised her talent for creating bespoke millinery.

“The best outfit can be ruined by a poor choice of hat. The worst outfit can be transformed completely. They can give you great confidence, and add colour and style to any outfit.” says Rosalie.

Originally from Hampshire, Rosalie moved to Ewerby during her nursing career and has just set up her studio, Roseheart Creations in The Terrace in Lincoln.

“I discovered a talent for making hats in 2005, and studied until 2009, then working on the occasional commission whilst nursing, before starting my new business. My commissions take around six weeks from an initial design consultation to creation.”

Charging around £150-£500 for a bespoke hat in Lincolnshire, and offering a hire service for £30-£75, Rosalie’s creations are created around blocks; bespoke measuring tools which are then used to cut sinamay or paraisal.

A brim block and crown block allow Rosalie to match the proportions and size the hat for its wearer, as well as the style and colour, to each commission, creating a truly bespoke hat, fascinator or hatinator.

These are decorated with maribou feathers, jewellery or felt, and Rosalie always tries to include a vintage element in each one. Being a fan of the steampunk aesthetic, Rosalie also includes clockwork or similar decoration in some of her hats, too.

“Everything is hand-stitched, there’s no glue.” says Rosalie. “I’ve several ongoing commissions for TV and film millinery, and producers prefer to have ‘authentic’ props and costumes right down to the way each piece is constructed.”

The secret to choosing millinery, according to Rosalie, is to ensure that once placed on the head, the crown rises at a 90° angle — this should also rise in proportion with the wearer’s frame.

The brim’s width should balance the crown, and ideally extend no wider than the wearer’s shoulders, nor should it obscure the eyes.

Hats can by dyed to match outfits, but generally, paler skins should avoid stronger colours, and whilst embellishment is a matter of taste, less is often more.

“Millinery is a huge passion for me and I’m delighted to be able to match ladies to a suitable hat.” says Rosalie. “A good milliner should always be able to provide ideas and advice, so I’m always happy to meet my customers to design something really individual.”

Rosalie of Roseheart Creations, makes her bespoke hats from her studio based at The Terrace, Lincoln, by appointment only. She can be contacted on 07786 326778 or be seen at www.roseheartcreations.co.uk or at this year’s Heckington Show.