A RISING star in the world of hat design has expanded her growing business into London.
Laura Apsit Livens, who is the Editeur’s in-house hat designer, is expanding her brand to the UK’s capital in order to pursue more work with fashion houses there.
The 24-year-old from Mickle Trafford has been trading from the Editeur, Bridge Street Row, for just over a year. In that time she has quickly become Cheshire’s go-to milliner with customers from all over the world.
Laura said: “Moving down to London, the fashion capital, means I will be closer to my customers and this will enable me to collaborate with many more designers, which will raise my designer profile.
“I have had a great year and learnt so much, especially with the support from Adam Williams and Annabel Mount-Kirk, owners of the Editeur.”
This year alone, Laura’s has been busy collaborating with many luxury businesses from Chester and the surrounding area.
She has been The Chester Grosvenor Hotel’s on-call milliner, has had collaborations with Boodles Chester and Manchester and has been involved with many of the womenswear stores in the centre of Chester.
She has built up a star-studded client list including Paloma Faith, Rita Ora and the Duchess of Westminster, and has been working with fashion house giant Louis Vuitton.
The London College of Fashion graduate has high expectations after working for renowned British designer Philip Treacy during her studies in London. She worked during the royal wedding of William and Kate and explains that she now has experience of intense pressure.
Each season’s collection will have up to 20 hats available for ready-to-wear, made from materials including woven straw, Swarovski crystals, exotic bird feathers, silk, leather, banana leaf and fresh flowers, with prices starting at £270.
Laura is planning to host day and evening events at the Editeur, where clients can book and have bespoke consultations leading up to next year.
