Significance of millinery and accessory design

The word ‘millinery’ immediately transports you to the bygone era, doesn’t it? After all, millineries are typically the antiquated artisans whose skill sets were passed down from one generation to the other. But, as years passed by this art started fading away, and was clubbed with accessory designing.

In fact, today accessory designing encompasses four items:

              -          Bags

              -          Footwear

              -          Jewellery, and

              -          Millinery

The person involved in accessory designing takes care of things right from developing the concept to the production.

For this, designers are expected to look at the creative process by gathering research to generating ideas into a product line. 

Also, as an accessory designer one has to specialise in construction techniques and the essential tools of the trade, which are different from dress designing.

Largely, the products are based on 2D pattern and 3D modelling techniques, which explain in detail the required prototyping.It is observed that accessory designing encompasses the old and new techniques. It is based across aspects such as hand-finishing and machine embellishment techniques.

Accessory designing requires finesse and a deep understanding of the subject. This is especially true for milliners. For instance, when milliners are making bespoke hats, they have to meet the client directly to discuss their requirements. They also need to be perfect while taking measurements.

Further, all accessory designers including milliners are closely involved in choosing the core elements such as fabrics and other raw materials. After this, designers trim the fabrics and add necessary details to enhance the look. In case of hats, the fabric might need some hand steaming into shape orcorrection with a hydraulic machine, in case of mass-production. This method of adding finishing touch is called blocking.

In short, accessory designers and milliners are key to the industry for they bring specialised skill set, such as:

• Creative and imaginative eye with good artistic skills

• Good understanding of proportion, fabrics and design

• Deep understanding of technical processes, good communication and business skills

Fashion institutes like Whistling Woods Neeta Lulla School of Fashion enable to be adept and skilled in millinery and accessory design and bring a whole new dimension to your career in fashion.