Hats have been around from the beginning

of time. But, contrary to days gone bye, hats

have now become more than just

'something to cover ones head'.

Rather than simply an item of fashion,

hats have developed into something quite

personal: the right hat adding the finishing

touch. Day in day out, Liesbeth van Well,

a hat designer from Breda, the Netherlands,

experiences the fact that hats are attracting

more and more attention.

Although she began her career

as a designer of special

party wear, Liesbeth has gradually focussed

her talents on creating hats that are inspired

by historical Dutch traditional costumes. Her

designs are primarily conceived

with women in mind but her

versatility also embraces models

for men and children and can be adapted to

suit every possible occasion. They are always

characterised by a unique combination of

quality, creativity and imagination. Working

from basic materials she somehow

manages, by steaming,

stretching, folding and

sewing, to fashion these into creations of a

very specific character which can vary from

modest and easy to wear to highly

complicated and extravagant. Although she

is inspired by events like the Ascot races

where colourful, glamorous

and often theatrical creations

steal the show, or by the frivolous Venetian

Carnival or by the more serious Milan and

Paris millinery fashion shows, imitation is not

her art. Each one of her designs, whether

austere or Baroque, modern or

classic,is her own original style

and totally unique. In her

studio, summer and winter fabrics of different

qualities and textures are transformed into

the most wonderful, authentic shapes and

forms. For Liesbeth van Well

it is this personal touch which

really distinguishes her work. Work which

has led to her being awarded several coveted

prizes in her field as well as much praise and

positive reactions from press and public alike

It is therefore not difficult to understand why

famous hat boutiques and galeries in the

Netherlands and abroad know

what her designs are worth.