Monika Perlińska, master milliner
The designer and master milliner behind Maria Monica London, a London couture millinery house making hats and headpieces by hand.
Around thirty-five years at the craft
Monika Perlińska (Monika Ciesielkiewicz) is a hat designer and couture milliner in London. She spent about five years in Philip Treacy's London studio and around seven as head milliner at Jane Taylor. Hats she made by hand in those workrooms have been worn by the Royal Family. Maria Monica London is her own house, working in parasisal straw, felt, silk and horsehair.
She works to proportion before fashion. A shape is drawn against the face, the shoulders and the outfit, then blocked on a wooden form and finished by the same hand that drew it.
Monika Perlińska, in facts
- Trade. Milliner and hat designer, around thirty-five years at the block, beginning with a journeyman diploma in millinery in Poland.
- Trained in. About five years in Philip Treacy’s London studio, around seven as head milliner at Jane Taylor. Hats she made by hand in those workrooms have been worn by the Royal Family.
- Her house. Maria Monica London Millinery, founded in London in 2023. MARIA MONICA LONDON LTD, England and Wales, company number 14689104.
- Works in. Felt, parasisal straw, silk and crinoline, blocked over wooden forms, wired and finished entirely by hand.
- Makes. Hats, pillboxes, boaters, fedoras, cocktail hats, fascinators, headbands, turbans and birdcage veils, for women and for men.
- Known for. Royal Ascot and the Royal Enclosure 10cm rule, Cheltenham, the Kentucky Derby, Wimbledon, weddings and mother of the bride.
- Prices. Ready to wear from £75 to £2,480. A commission takes one to four weeks and is quoted after the first appointment.
- Teaches. Two-day millinery masterclasses in the London studio, from £600.
- Seen. By appointment in London, or by video call anywhere in the world.
Inside the atelier
Felt
The block
The label
Occasion hats and headpieces
Commissions
Fittings are held at the London studio or on a video call, with colours matched against a cutting of the outfit fabric. A commission takes one to four weeks.