Lali Heath established her couture millinery brand in 2013. She was born and raised in Kenya and lives with her husband, James, on their Avocado farm near Mount Kilimanjaro in NorthernTanzania.
Lali divides her time between the farm, Kenya, and the UK, constantly learning new skills, sourcing materials and creating beautiful hand made hats and head dresses.
All Lali’s pieces are individually designed and are created using traditional couture techniques. She uses hand blocked straws, quality felts, carefully sourced silks and vintage Panama straws. She frequently crafts her own trims, using, for example, feathers which she collects; Flamingo feathers from the shores of Lake Elementaita, Vulturine Guinea Fowl feathers from the African bush and Peacock feathers from an English garden. Otherwise all her materials are purchased from quality bespoke millinery suppliers in the UK.
Lali learned traditional millinery techniques with one of England’s premier couture milliners, Jane Corbett. What began as a three day taster course in the summer of 2012, evolved as an apprenticeship. Since then Lali has participated in numerous workshops with UK milliners Justine Bradley-Hill, Dillon Wallwork, as well as textile artists Bridget Bailey and Anne Tomlin. Resulting in a unique style, Lali’s work is known for her attention to detail and focus on craftsmanship.
Her collection includes classic wide brimmed picture hats, beautiful felt hats for everyday wear, elegant Cocktail hats, dainty headpieces and bridal wear.