Hat tricks for staycation shade
Hats off to Edinburgh milliner Sally-Ann Provan who is turning heads with the launch of her new summer collection.
The ‘Solis’ range of summer straw hats is perfect wear for those enjoying the sun at home or opting for a stay-cation holiday.
Sally’s hats are wedding favourites and often feature at Royal Ascot, Royal garden parties and other special events, but the lockdown has given her time to create a collection of timeless wearable casual straw hats that will last for summers to come.
After an Honours degree in Jewellery, Sally trained in couture millinery under the late Queen Mother's milliner, and in theatrical millinery with The Royal Opera House.
Her clients include HRH The Duchess of Cambridge and HRH Princess Beatrice, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins, ITV’s Charlotte Hawkins, Edith Bowman and the BBC.
She is Scottish Opera's milliner, and other clients include Scottish Ballet and The Royal Lyceum Theatre. She also worked on the Robert de Niro film 'The Good Shepherd' and the stage musical 'The Lion King'.
With no access to a model or hair and make-up artist, Sally made a rare appearance in front of the camera to model her own collection.
Known for her beautifully crafted handmade hats and headpieces, she said: “I wear my hats all the time and although I’m very nervous anywhere near a camera, my clients encouraged me to give it a go.”
Sally applied her own make-up and styled the shoot with pieces from renowned womenswear boutique Jane Davidson, linens from Elizabeth Martin Tweed, and jewellery from Carla Edwards, Kaz Robertson and Pauline Edie.
She added: “The lockdown has been particularly hard on small business and I wanted to help highlight some of the amazing talent and shops in Edinburgh.”
The shoot was only made possible by calling on the talents of professional commercial and fashion photographer Alistair Clark, who happens to be Sally’s husband.
During the Covid-19 lockdown Sally has been working behind closed doors and accepting online orders. Visits to her Edinburgh
Hat Shop and Studio will resume when possible in Phase 3 of the Scottish Government routemap, with consultations resuming in Phase 4.