Taking inspiration from lockdown
■ How has lockdown affected you?
The millinery world has been turned upside down with weddings with racing events such as Royal Ascot being postponed. Luckily my handcrafted headwraps have been very popular as a solution for lockdown roots and bad hair days. I originally designed them for Goodwood Revival as they are a great way to create a 1950s ‘Rockabilly look’.
■ Have you used your time to develop your business?
I have been inspired by the rainbow symbol for hope and have created a rainbow flower headpiece from a liquid resin. This was a bit of a nostalgic trip as it was something that my grandma introduced me to in the 80s! I have also used the time to consider the values that drive me in my business – making something that makes someone feel valued, confident and special.
■ What positives do you think lockdown has brought to creatives like you?
The creative world has come together through social media channels and online meetings, which have been great fun to get involved with. I have recently made a huge flat brim boater for a fashion designer. The brim was over 60cm in diameter – the size of a dustbin lid! It was a challenge I put out to our international milliners Facebook group to see how they would tackle it. That each milliner had their own unique method was fascinating.
■ What impact do you think the pandemic will have on the high street?
The high street is always evolving. I think Covid-19 has sped up the latest revolution, with lots of businesses bringing forward some key decisions. In terms of fashion and retail, initially there are likely to be some big discounted items as retailers try and shift stock. In the longer term, the range each retailer offers at any one time could well reduce as they try and focus on the items they are confident they can sell. With the continuation of ‘work at home where possible’ guidance, casual clothing is more in demand, so retailers may well focus on everyday products. I also think that people will be more inclined to shop locally, as they will want to go into shops they know well and so can predict potential queues and have confidence that the shop will be adhering to social distancing measures.
■ What legacies do you think Covid-19 will leave?
It has brought about a real appreciation of the things we do have in our life, and also the importance of building a sustainable environment. To support this, I will be starting a ‘hat hire’ service. This will enable clients to source an original ‘last minute hat’ – particularly helpful at the current time with events dates shifting I will still be there to offer advice and a degree of personalisation to each hat can still be made. It also works for the environment as once the hat has been worn a few times it can be deconstructed and the materials used for another unique creation.
■ For further information visit www.isabellajosie.com or email: hello@isabellajosie.com