Milliners Guild members were invited to design hats and headpieces inspired by French court dress of the late 1700s. Those opulent fashions were largely the vision of an ambitious marchande de modes named Marie-Jeanne “Rose” Bertin, oft-cited as the first celebrity milliner.
Marie-Jeanne Bertin was not known as The Rose of Versailles during her lifetime. “Rose” was a sobriquet often ascribed to female fashion merchants, especially around 1800. The youthful name romanticizes a trade that in reality marginalized its mostly female workforce and required dedication, diligence and highly developed skills in the textile arts. More than two centuries later, these traits are still evident among milliners. In creating hats that reflect Marie-Jeanne “Rose” Bertin’s aesthetic, the Milliners Guild acknowledges our connection to all of the Roses and the rich history of ornamentation.
The Rose of Versailles: Remembering Marie-Jeanne Bertin will be on view in the street level window of the Garment District Alliance from September 6 - October 12, 2023.
Participating MG members include Katie Allen, Kathy Anderson, Linda Ashton, Moire Bagale, Sally Caswell, Wanda Chambers, Rowell Concepcion, Laura Del Villaggio, Sarah Fedaie, Austin Gray, June Gumbel, Jennifer Hoertz, Janet Linville, Allison Lyndes, Cassie MacGregor, Michael McCants, Lisa McFadden, Karen Morris, Evetta Petty, Victoria Regina, Judith Solodkin & Barbara Volker.
Learn More www.millinersguild.org
The Milliners Guild, Inc is a national non-profit organization of milliners, small business owners, and students who specialize in the design and production of handmade headwear. The group is committed to increasing the public profile of millinery as well as the public's awareness and interest in millinery products.
The Guild is dedicated to working together to support our suppliers in order to ensure a steady flow of raw materials.
Through a collective website, special events, and educational seminars, the Guild provides consistent communication about this thriving and contemporary industry to the public, press, and students of the craft.