Lai Symes trained for four years in London with Rose Cory, an internationally renowned milliner and teacher, and milliner to HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for 35 years.  Lai was awarded a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 2000, in recognition of her work and potential to excel.  The award and examples of her hats were featured in the media, including The Guardian, The Financial Times and BBC's Look East. 

Lai specialises in millinery as a traditional craft, in designing special occasion "model" or bespoke creations for both men and women.  Each hat is made almost entirely by hand resulting in exquisitely finished, individual and beautiful looking hats.  Materials are often hand-dyed to achieve an exact match with a customer's outfit.  Each hat is unique in design and made to the customer's exact head fitting. 

You can contact Lai by telephoning 01832 277258 between 9am and 5pm

Lai's work-room is based in Oundle, near Peterborough, 45 minutes from Cambridge and an hour north of the M25.  The direct London (Kings Cross) to Peterborough train takes 45 minutes.