Hats off to glamour
A Perth boutique offers for women who want to stand out in a crowd
by Alana Toulin, Ottawa Citizen (January 23, 2010)

An eye-catching hat worthy of the famed Royal Ascot race can be found just a short drive
away — Perth, to be exact.

At Elysium Fashion Boutique, a return to old-school glamour can be found in every headpiece
handcrafted by Wales-based design team Alan White and Barry Moss of Alan White Millinery.

Sold exclusively in the Ottawa area through the Perth boutique, these hats are no fast fashion
finds. Created in the traditional way, using top-quality materials such as silks, feathers, and
crystal beading, this chic accessories line — which also includes fascinators, miniatures, and
headpieces — is perfect for the discerning woman who wants to stand out in a crowd.

“These hats are such conversation pieces,” said Elysium owner Darlene Rupert. “Each one
is different.”

Moss (who is Rupert’s cousin will soon be moving back to Lanark) and his partner White have
been in the hat-making business for 15 years. White studied millinery at the London College
of Fashion and has exhibited at London Fashion Week and sold collections to Barney’s
New York.

“Alan and Barry travel around and get all of the silks, feathers, and specialty materials. Everything
is handmade,” said Rupert. “We went over to England to visit this summer and I thought ‘I can
bring these hats over here and we can do something with them.’”

So far the response to the unique pieces has been enthusiastic, especially among brides,
mothers of the bride, and women who have formal events to attend.

“One lady bought one to meet Prince Charles and Camilla when they were here for Remembrance
Day,” said Rupert. “Women have been buying them for weddings, cruises, garden parties.”

Perhaps best of all, the sophisticated hats created by Alan White Millinery are relatively affordable.
Many of the hats carried at Elysium retail for about $130.

For Rupert, the popularity of her cousin's hats is part of the movement toward a more formal and
ladylike style of dressing. This look, inspired by the runway designs of labels such as Lanvin
and Chanel, presents some stiff competition for the leisurewear-everywhere trend that rose
to prominence for much of last decade.

“I think we went through a phase where it was a lot of comfy clothes, and I see people now starting
to dress up,” said Rupert, adding that people are starting to look more for investment pieces that
are well-made, elegant and classic.

For more info about Alan White Millinery hats, visit www.hats-etc.com.

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