Couture by Karen Henriksen
Karen Henriksen's couture creations are noted for their sculptural qualities and contemporary aesthetics; they exude a wonderfully informal glamour, yet seem effortless, almost casually elegant. For Karen, whilst innovation is vital, at the core of every hat is its relationship to the wearer: her hats are often striking in their minimalism, yet always flattering, and invariably easy and comfortable to wear.
Because of the very nature of couture (or model) millinery, there is just a small selection of pieces for the online shop. But it was important to include some, in keeping with Karen's passion for accessible couture, and couture that is relevant to how we live our lives today.
And we think we've chosen well! For the most part we've played safe and gone with neutral tones... although we couldn't resist including a couple of bright colours too. And each piece is easy and comfortable to wear – secured either with elastic, a comb, or a wired headband.
In addition to her own collections, Karen also works with other designers. Recent collaborations and commissions include fashion designers as diverse as Hussein Chalayan, Gavin Douglas, Edward Sexton and Heatherette, and innovative textile designers Dashing Tweeds. Karen has also recently made light shades for furniture designers Pinch, who realised that their designs needed the expertise and lightness of touch of a milliner. Most prolific is an exciting collaboration with U.S. fashion label Ports 1961, sharing their passion for strong silhouettes and feminine modernity.
Another major project has been a book commission: ‘Design and Make Fashion Hats’ by Karen Henriksen.* Largely a practical book, it draws on Karen’s years of experience in the world of millinery, generously sharing her ethos of bringing model (couture) millinery techniques up to date and accessible to a new audience, this time budding milliners. And of course it will also include beautiful and inspiring photography, featuring images of her work, and of other contemporary milliners. (Publish date: July 2009)