Milliner's nod to racetrack's ladies

SEVEN of Goodwood's most influential ladies have been immortalised in a milliner's latest collection.
One of the models showing one of Laylaleigh's latest collection Picture: About-PicturesOne of the models showing one of Laylaleigh's latest collection Picture: About-Pictures
One of the models showing one of Laylaleigh's latest collection Picture: About-Pictures

Laylaleigh millinery, which was founded in 2010, was started by designer Leigh Johnson, from West Sussex.

Now Leigh is proud to be back at the racetrack and to have her collection on display.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A pop-up shop was held at the Kennels – the estates’s central clubhouse – last month to introduce Laylaleigh millinery as Goodwood Racecourse’s preferred milliner for the 2016 season.

Leigh said: ‘All the designs are named after a lady of the estate, they each have a wonderful story to tell.

‘I’ve always been a race-goer and after struggling for 10 years to find a hat to match my outfit I came up with the idea to start my own business.’

All of Leigh’s creations are handmade at her appointment-only studio in West Wittering. She sources unique materials so all her hats are slightly different.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Alongside her seasonal collections, Leigh offers a bespoke service for any occasion with complete custom dye and colour matching.

She started her millinery career by training with Ian Bennett, who is one of the Queen’s milliners, before starting her own business.

She said: ‘Once I had done my training I realised that this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.’

Leigh is now a go-to milliner for many celebrities, sporting professionals, television personalities and aristocracy. Laylaleigh is regularly seen on the pages of high-end lifestyle and fashion magazines as well as blogs and television interviews.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: ‘Sending my hats to fabulous events around the world is amazing. I feel truly privileged to be part of some of the most special events in people’s lives.’

The hats in the Goodwood collection are: Louise de Keroualle; the Countess of March; Lady Emily; the Duchess of Richmond; Lady Charlotte; Lady Caroline; Lady Frances Harriet; as well as a limited edition Panama.

They are available to order online, starting at £195, or from The Kennels Store and at the Racing Colours Shop, which is open on race days.

For more go to laylaleigh.co.uk.