http://www.qest.org.uk/

Lai Symes trained in London with Rose Cory who was milliner by Appointment to the Queen Mother.  In 2000 she was awarded The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship to study couture millinery.  The award and examples of her work were featured in the media including The Guardian, The Financial Times and on the BBC.

Lai runs her business from her home in the picturesque market town of Oundle in Northamptonshire making finest couture hats to order using traditional millinery techniques.  Since each hat is made by hand the result is an exquisitely finished, individual and beautiful looking hat.  Materials can be hand dyed to achieve an exact match with a customer's outfit.  Lai's great skill and passion is in working with the customer to design their unique hat for whatever the occasion. 

As well as 10 years experience making bespoke hats and headpieces Lai has had a long association with Newmarket Hat Hire making one-off hats for their couture range.  Over the years these stunning hats regularly won awards at race meetings including best hat at the Jaeger sponsored July meeting at Newmarket and at Goodwood in 2006.  She has also made hats for Sports commentator Clare Balding.  In 2009 she exhibited at The General Trading Company in Sloane Square as part of a British Craft fair organised by QEST the charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association and was part of the Turning Heads Millinery exhibition at Mosimanns in 2010.  A collection of Lai's hats will be available to buy at Fortnum and Mason from February to August this year.