Marcantonio Canters into Business

Kristin Scott Thomas;  photo by Fiona Hanson

So following on from last weeks’ blog, where I interviewed Louis Mariette (who I incidentally saw in my local suppliers this week!), you may remember that he would love to see Kristin Scott Thomas in one of his creations?

Well this week I am interviewing a lovely milliner whose career was launched into the spotlight by the fact that the very same Kristin Scott Thomas commissioned one of her fabulous and feathery pieces.

This week I am interviewing the very lovely and talented Jane Marcantonio…

How would you describe your designs/hats?

My headpieces are bespoke, sophisticated, chic and eye-catching and you will feel fabulous wearing one of them!

What made you decide to become a milliner and how long have you been in business?

I studied Design & Applied Arts specialising in Fashion, at Edinburgh College of Art from 1999-2003. I graduated with a BA Hons which lead me to the film industry. After four years, I started to contemplate my own business and felt that there was a niche in the market for large headpieces which were not small fascinators, nor hats. I have been designing and creating for a year-and-a-half.

Your hats have been worn by the rich and famous! How did this side of your business come about?

Kristin Scott Thomas; photo by Fiona Hanson

My celebrity clients include Kristin Scott Thomas and Amanda Holden. Kristin starred in the forthcoming film 'Nowhere Boy', which portrays the early life of John Lennon. I was costume supervisor - as I am maintaining a film career and the design business - and Kristin commissioned me to design a piece for a commemorative service for fallen pilots in the war. She was doing a reading at the service, which was to be held at St Paul's Cathedral.

Kristin Scott Thomas is a very chic and elegant client to have in my portfolio. 

Amanda Holden wears a Marcantonio creation at Royal Ascot 2009; photo by Getty Images

Amanda Holden approached me on the recommendation of one of her make-up artists. The publicity I have enjoyed from Amanda wearing a 'Marcantonio' to Ascot this year has been incredible. She was a perfect model and has been very supportive.

If you had to make a very special bespoke piece, who would it be for and why?

I would make a special piece for Zara Phillips, as she has just been voted 'Hat Wearer of the Year'. I think she is a fine royal ambassador and I would deem it a great honour if she wore one of my designs.



What piece would you want to wear to which race meeting, and why?

The Vortex by Jane Marcantonio

I would wear the piece named the 'Green Vortex'. I have blonde hair and when I wear it, I looks like I'm a brunette. I'm a firm believer in creating an illusion, when dressing up! A 'Marcantonio' can make you feel confident, alluring and just simply special!

For more Marcantonio headpieces see www.marcantonio.biz 

I absolutely adore Jane’s work, and I am sure we will see even more pieces of hers in the next prestigious race meeting, maybe at Glorious Goodwood!

Watch out for my next blog where I will be giving tips on the best hats to wear on Ladies' Day at Glorious Goodwood, plus there will be a very special competition…

Hatastic will be featured at this upcoming event:
 
Sunday 29th October 2009 
Handm@de at Oxford Town Hall 
11:00 am to 5:00 pm 
 
If you require a bespoke piece for your special occasion or for anything else, please email me! 

Hatastic!                                     

www.hatastic.folksy.com 
http://twitter.com/hatastic

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