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A hidden gem in Barrie's downtown, Le
Petit Chapeau Millinery is a slice of Paris.
Meaghan Armstrong is the designer and
owner of this unique studio/showroom. A self-taught milliner, she has been
making hats for sixteen years but waited until after art school to dive into
piles of silk and ribbon. "I love to sew and I love hats," says
Meaghan. "I'm influenced by modern designers such as Philip Treacy and
Alexander McQueen but I find all things vintage the most exciting. Opening up my
little studio/shop has been a dream come true."
Modern practicality and comfort are
major considerations when designing hats. "Linen, wool, cotton and silk are
most common fabrics used, but I have tried just about anything."
Her newest project is rental hats. Vintage
and new hats are available from $40. Rentals are common in England so Meaghan
thought that it would be nice to have it here. "Many of my customers want
to wear a big beautiful hat to a wedding or a party, but are reluctant to spend
several hundred dollars on one."
The average price of her everyday
collections is $55. Custom work is always available and of course, rentals.
Meaghan's hats also grace the pages of
counter culture magazine. Her work is available at her store
in Barrie and at the Blue Banana
Market in the heart of Kensington Market in Toronto, and Penny Varney
Jewellery & Gifts in Gravenhurst.
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