Hat Making Class
Instructor
Kaori Maeda (Milliner)
Kaori trained in London under Prudence, one of the world’s top milliners, known for her long-standing collaboration with Vivienne Westwood and her work on collections for Yves Saint Laurent and Tom Ford (Gucci).
From 2011 to 2014, she worked as Prudence’s assistant, contributing to headwear creation for Vivienne Westwood fashion shows. Independently, she was also involved in creating head costumes for English National Opera productions.
She then honed her production skills at Mühlbauer, a historic Viennese hat brand with over a century of heritage, before returning to Japan in 2014 to establish her own brand, Kaori Millinery.
What Kaori learned over three years at Prudence’s side went far beyond technique.
To read the cultural currents and nuances running beneath fashion,
and to create work that deepens that world further.
To give each material its own story and breath.
It was less something taught in words,
and more something absorbed through years of watching Prudence work.
The sensibility passed down from Prudence felt too valuable to keep to herself.
That is what led Kaori to open this school.
She hopes that through the making of hats,
students may come to share in some of that richness and joy of discovery.
Trial Lesson
A trial lesson open to complete beginners.
Choose between making a headband or a seamed beret.
Trial Lesson A : Beret
You will make a seamed beret.
Duration: 3 hours
Fee: ¥19,800 (tax included, materials included)
※ This lesson uses plain fabric. Fabric upgrades are available upon request (additional charge).
Trial Lesson B : Headband
You will make a simple headband.
Duration: 2 hours
Fee: ¥9,350 (tax included, materials included)
※ This lesson uses plain fabric. Fabric upgrades are available upon request (additional charge).
※ You are also welcome to join the regular lessons directly, without taking a trial lesson first.
Lesson
A lesson where you learn techniques while making the hat or headwear of your choice.
Suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced makers.
With a maximum of 3 students per session, lessons progress at your own pace.
Examples of Work
- Bucket Hat
- Cap
- Casquette
- Felt Hat
- Summer Hat
- Headpieces
etc…
Examples of Work
Approximate Duration
- Bucket Hat : 6-9 hours
- Cap : 9-12 hours
- Casquette : 9-12 hours
- Felt Hat : 9-12 hours
- Summer Hat : 9-12 hours
- Headpieces : 6 hours-
※ Varies depending on design and materials.
For those who prefer a more structured approach, we also offer curriculum-based courses. For details, please contact us via the booking and enquiry button above.
Lesson Fees & Payment
Lesson Fees
Lesson (3 hours per session) ¥30,000
Extension (per hour) ¥10,000
※ Reduced rates are available for those continuing a project across multiple sessions
※ Please bring your own materials. Materials are also available for purchase at the atelier
Payment
Full payment is due before the start of each lesson. We accept the following methods:
- Bank transfer
- Cash
- Credit card
Please note that fees are non-refundable in the event of a cancellation at your own discretion.
Schedule
Lessons are held from 10:00-13:00 in the morning and from 14:00-17:00 in the afternoon.
Please check the lesson calendar.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations and rescheduling must be requested by 10:00 AM the day before your lesson. Cancellations made after this time, or no-shows, will be charged the full lesson fee.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about Kaori Millinery’s hat classes, please feel free to contact us here.