Creating headpieces
Creating headpieces
Having studied fashion in The Hague, Berry attended the London College of Fashion to specialize in the traditional, artisanal techniques of millinery. In 1990, she established her own atelier in the Netherlands: Berry Rutjes Jr. Hat Design. This is where she designs and makes hats the traditional way, from fashionable and floppy, to flamboyant fedoras.
My Designs
From baret to bowler, from cloche to chupallas, from floppy to fascinator: there is a perfect hat for every woman. The right material used in the proper way, that is the technical basis. A hat is an investment. It must give you joy over a long period of time and it has to last. Therefore, I prefer using natural materials, because they ‘breathe’ and are comfortable to wear. These include for instance: felt, sisal, straw, parabuntal, sinamay, (waxed) cotton, linen or wool. Each material asks for a different approach and process. Which is where my years of experience and my classical British training come to the fore: the traditional, artisan techniques of millinery (hat making). Of course, these include dying the materials – not only the ‘fabrics’ but even the feathers that may be used for decoration. Adorning a hat with (silk) flowers is another option. And I do make those flowers myself, even the tiny stamens and pistils. A fiddly job, but the result is phenomenal. Handmade and unique. If you have seen a handmade hat, felt it and have worn it, you will understand the difference. The fit, the quality, the durability and the look: unique! And please take ‘unique’ literally. Do you want a hat that is lined in the fabric of your favourite blouse? It can be done. Do you want a hat in the same colour as your handbag? I can make it. Of course, I am more than happy to give you personal advice on the perfect hat for you, but you can also order directly via my web shop. Or contact me by filling out the contact form https://www.berryrutjes.com/contact/
My Designs
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Queen Maxima at Royal Ascot 2019
Creative Collaborations
Not only private customers find their way to Berry’s atelier. Berry has also collaborated with fashion designers such as Marlies Dekkers and Michael Barnaart van Bergen. They asked her to design headpieces for their (couture) shows. . From fashion shows to ‘Prinsjesdag’: I am frequently asked to design a unique hat. The fact that renowned designers such as Marlies Dekkers and Michael Barnaart van Bergen ask me to design hats for their catwalk collections, is an honour. Because fellow-designers – in any discipline – are generally the most discerning clients. They are looking for perfection. She was also approached by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, in connection with the ‘Catwalk’ exhibition curated by photographer Erwin Olof, to host a masterclass in corsage-making which drew full-house crowds Politicians and Royals asking me to design a hat for ‘Prinsjesdag’: another honour! They have a lot riding on ‘my’ hat, because of all the media attention and 16 million people ready to give their opinion. So, I am looking for perfection. But honestly, a woman is a woman, a client is a client. You deserve the same attention and perfection, because your special occasion is just as important to you. Are you looking for a special shape, a particular material or a unique colour? It can be done. Of course, I am more than happy to give you advice on the perfect hat for you, but you can also order directly via my web shop.
Creative Collaborations
Not only private customers find their way to Berry’s atelier. Berry has also collaborated with fashion designers such as Marlies Dekkers and Michael Barnaart van Bergen. They asked her to design headpieces for their (couture) shows. . From fashion shows to ‘Prinsjesdag’: I am frequently asked to design a unique hat. The fact that renowned designers such as Marlies Dekkers and Michael Barnaart van Bergen ask me to design hats for their catwalk collections, is an honour. Because fellow-designers – in any discipline – are generally the most discerning clients. They are looking for perfection. She was also approached by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, in connection with the ‘Catwalk’ exhibition curated by photographer Erwin Olof, to host a masterclass in corsage-making which drew full-house crowds Politicians and Royals asking me to design a hat for ‘Prinsjesdag’: another honour! They have a lot riding on ‘my’ hat, because of all the media attention and 16 million people ready to give their opinion. So, I am looking for perfection. But honestly, a woman is a woman, a client is a client. You deserve the same attention and perfection, because your special occasion is just as important to you. Are you looking for a special shape, a particular material or a unique colour? It can be done. Of course, I am more than happy to give you advice on the perfect hat for you, but you can also order directly via my web shop.
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percy irausquin AIFW 2007
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Show Michael Barnaart van Bergen
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Show michael barnaart van bergen
Colophon
Photography: Jan Luijk for Sentimental Journal / Michelle Reine HandBag Design Studio / Jan Andraschko / Barbara Groen / Bram Kunz/ Royal Press Europe.
Illustartions: Chiem Hoftijzer
Location: Museum Escher in Het Paleis.