award-winning millinery design that preps you to be papped
6 years creating bespoke, head-turning hats you’ll wear with confidence
not for the wall flowers
It’s easy to grab attention. Wear a neon leotard. Attach some bells to your bag. But at Elise Gustilo I’m in the business of making sure you stand out for the right reasons. It doesn’t need to be all flowers (though that’s one of my superpowers).
Hats are worn at special occasions. Life-changing moments where pictures and memories leave a legacy. So I craft silhouettes that enhance your style through balancing your face shape and frame, finding the hero colours that make you shine or playful embellishments that are personal to you. I love a bit of fun - but even if I created an ice cream hat, I’d still want it to be an elegant one.
Ultimately, an Elise Gustilo hat or headpiece is all about bringing out the best of you.
“i looked at the mussel shells and thought - what can i make from these?”
seeing the beauty in everything
Full credit goes to my parents and Filipino roots for instilling the sense to minimise waste and give items a second life. My work is made from natural silks, straws, felts and fibres, where possible, and I continue to minimise waste through careful pattern layout. I’ve truly honed my ability to improvise over the years, making beautiful pieces from items destined for landfill and those which are unloved.
If you have a piece with memories that you would like to give a new lease of life through headwear, get in touch.
“technology will never replace the craft - but it makes the impossible become possible”
looking to the future...
I’ll always be passionate about preserving tradition, but I’m also excited for the future of millinery.
As technology advances, I’m leaning more and more towards fusing technology with classic millinery techniques.
My curiosity in technology has led me to tech-craft programmes including iAtelier Crafting Europe, where I’ve presented at the prestigious Van Abbe Museum in Eindhoven as part of Dutch Design Week.
press and media bio
Serving those who are seeking something different, Elise creates hats for clients who celebrate individuality and are not afraid to stand out from the crowd. Educated as a Colour Chemist and working in the heights of couture fashion, experimentation and creating the wow factor is at the heart of her work. Having trained with the legendary Rose Cory, Royal Warrant holder to the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Elise embraced the timelessness found in craftsmanship. She set out to create hats like pieces of art - unique, for all to enjoy and to last through generations.
awards
Awardee of iAtelier Crafting Europe Programme 2021
Winner of the Feltmakers Commercial Appeal Award 2018
Awardee of Cockpit Arts | Prince’s Trust Creative Careers Programme 2017