Marie O'Regan, Royal Warrant Holder to
Queen Elizabeth II

Red Leather Headpiece with Yellow Stamen

This leather headpiece was made by Mme O'Regan in 2010 for a special exhibition in London. It demonstrates the skill of the milliner, the craftsmanship of working with leather, and the designer's eye for balance and shape. 

Marie's daughter-in-law wore the hat for Royal Ascot in 2024.

Materials and Techniques

Using her own small sparterie blocks, leather was used to produce a light headpiece to be worn for all occasions.

This piece was made by a milliner whose life spanned over 90 years. She started her millinery training at 14 years old and worked through generation after generation, designing, making and teaching at the very highest level. The piece is an example of ‘heritage making’ and we are honoured to have it in this exhibition.
— The British Hat Guild

Marie O’Regan

1925-2023

The personal and working history of Marie O’ Regan is an incredible example of resilience, talent and will-power.

Read more about her life and work here.

Marie with Rachel Skinner