An enterprising milliner based in Bicester took her designs to Royal Ascot where they received lots of press attention.

“The hat makes the outfit. It is the crowning statement,” said Jayne Rossiter-Gill, founder of Jayne Elizabeth Millinery.

The forward-thinking designer graced the esteemed racecourse during a promotional day out which involved two of her model friends wearing her hats.

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She added: “It was a very prestigious event for us to go to. For me, it’s all about the hats, not so much the racing.

“I decided to go and invited my model friends to join me, it was a really good day out to promote my business.

“We got lots of attention from the press which was amazing, even before we went in we had people grabbing us and asking for photos.”

Ms Rossiter-Gill opted for two very different looks for her models, in the hope of conveying the versatility of her creations.

She said: “Raven's hat 'Firecracker' was created to match the tropical tones in her vibrant dress, and was a perfect contrast to her beautiful skin tone.

“Olivia wore a dramatic statement headpiece, 'Reflections' with a fabulous black jumpsuit. Her look was unique and elegant.”

The entrepreneur, who used to design for Harrods and Selfridges before going solo, said she’d always been interested in making things.

She said: “I’ve always been interested in designing and making things, whether fashion, upcycling, jewellery, photography, just all-round artistic endeavours really.

“I love millinery because it encompasses lots of different creative areas. You can design something very small and intricate, or something that’s way out there and could end up on a catwalk or in a photo shoot.

“It’s a versatile art form, which can use lots of different fabrics, beads, metals and other materials.”

Speaking about her creative process, Ms Rossiter-Gill said: “Ideas naturally come to me for creating things. I never find it hard to think up a new concept, or design.

“If I have a client come to me for a wedding or an event, they will usually bring an outfit and accessories with them, so I can work to their style.

“I like to get to know the person too, so I can tell if they’ll want something flamboyant, understated, it all feeds into the dimensions of creating. Fashion is just an extension of their personality.

“It’s nice for me as a designer to give people confidence to wear something and see that they’re really happy with it.”

Ms Rossiter-Gill’s works from her studio at her home in Langford Village, Bicester.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1