Tag: Ellen Christine

HATtitude: ArtsWestchester Couture Hat Exhibit Now Until April 12

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Remember my Madd Hatter post last year? I had so much fun  playing with hats at Ellen Christine’s showroom, I just had to check out the ArtsWestchester HATtitude Exhibit grand opening last weekend. The show was amazing and if you like hats or think you might want to experiment with hats, you absolutely must check it out!

The show is going on until April 12th. Get inspired!

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Montauk Beach House Pool Party and Milly Resort 2014 Fashion Presentation

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Last weekend I got plenty of sun in the nearly 100 degree weather at the Montauk Beach House. Michelle Smith showed her Milly Resort 2014 Collection in a beautiful fashion presentation by the pool, part of a summer-long music and fashion series hosted by the Montauk Beach House. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and last weekend, I was on the beach or by the pool for 80% of the time!

Singer-songwriter Natalia Kills performed and we enjoyed great drinks and music all Saturday afternoon. I just loved the bright, bold colors in the collection, not to mention that much of it looked really comfortable. Artwork seemed to influence Milly as some of the fabric seemed painted like that on the model above. Crop tops kept cropping up in Milly’s Resort 2014 Collection as well. I don’t think they’re going anywhere.

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I wore a pink neon Eres itty-bitty bikini along with an exclusive purple hat from couture milliner Ellen Christine’s Spring 2014 Collection. By the way, if you want a couture hat of your own, she’s giving a 10% discount to blog readers. Just call her showroom and mention the blog.

While there I met a few from the Milly team, spotted some great poolside fashion and ran into Cannon Hodge of Bergdorf Goodman. She and her friend were wearing amazing kaftans from Camilla Franks that should be available at Bergdorfs in a few months. She showed me that this particular kaftan could be tied multiple ways for a causal or dressy look. Looks like it will be available soon at BG for about $500 or so.

Milly’s collection isn’t quite available yet but for some of the looks here, check out my Summer is in the Air Collection or Shopbop’s Best of Summer 2013.

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Sincerely Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles




Playing Mad Hatter with Ellen Christine

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Last week I went to visit Ellen Christine’s gorgeous showroom downtown in the 100 degree New York summer heat wave and played mad hatter with a few of her newest hats! I had so much fun with the hats that I had to take a few home with me! Ellen Christine has been a milliner for decades, first getting her start in costume design. She’s done work throughout the industry, most recently with Phillip Lim, Joe Fresh and Jill Stuart. Hats may be something that your grandmother wore, but they can definitely be a great way to spice up any outfit! And not to mention, look like a proper lady. Kate Middleton seems to wear them all the time and it definitely works for her. 

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Ellen and I had a great conversation, here’s a bit of what we talked about.

How did you get started? 

I always did costume if not theatrical, then rock and roll, and then at one point was on the road with the producer and they decided they wanted a gladiator hat…so I had to make it. And that’s what started the non-sensical hat making. I started making hats for friends and designers in the early 1980s and it’s always been vintage-historic leaning towards the crazy people from other eras.

What specific eras inspire you?

Post World War I and Edwardian era. When women were first starting to be free.

On artwork inspiring her...

Old world drooping ostrich feathers, I love Duchamp and the Impressionists. (Artwork) gives me pause. Calder movement, light and shape on canvas, and the different feelings that it gives. I’m the mind of a child of the 1960s and it’s all about flow.

What’s your favorite hat you’ve ever made?

I don’t think it’s ever happened yet it’s like a bad boyfriend that keeps cheating on you…it’s an ongoing process of being in love.

I just love Ellen’s whimsical hats, they push the envelope and can really add something to your outfit. As I said, I left with two hats and one purple one (in the last photo below) from her exclusive Spring 2014 Collection. I can’t wait to wear them. If you love her couture hats, good news. Ellen Christine is giving blog readers a discount! Just call the showroom (212-242-2457), make an appointment or talk by phone and get a hat at a 10% discount!

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I WAS WEARING… 

Hats/Hat Box by Ellen Christine (call showroom at 212-242-2457 and mention the blog for a 10% discount on exclusives) 

Vintage White Blouse 

Alice and Olivia Lavender Leather Skirt 

Vintage Christian Louboutin Magenta Booties 

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

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