The Saucy Milliner's handmade hats bring a sexy sense of fun

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      When it comes to attending big horse-racing events like the upcoming Deighton Cup at Hastings Park, the number one fashion must-have is, has, and always will be the hat. And not just any topper will do. You need the kind of extravagant statement piece you probably wouldn’t have the nerve to wear anywhere else. Unless of course, you’re Kelly Dunlap. She’s the hat-loving woman behind the Saucy Milliner, and she’s all about rocking beautiful, standout headwear all year-round—race or no race.

      “I like to to play dress up,” admits the charming Dunlap, who recently sat down with the Georgia Straight at an East Van café to talk about her absolutely stunning collection of made-to-order hats. “I’ve never really lost that sense of play, you know? Like I still have a tickle trunk.”

      A collector from way back, Dunlap made the leap from buying to building hats almost eight years ago, which was around the time she was working at Edie Hats (now called the Granville Island Hat Shop).

      “I remember looking at some of the hats that were not manufactured in China—so more artisanal, handmade hats—and going, ‘Wow these are beautiful! Could I do this?...I would like to try.’ And then once I got the bug, it kind of took off.”

      Today, her finely crafted works of art can best be summed up as classical silhouettes infused with a sexy sense of fun. In others words, perfect for the Deighton Cup, which takes place from this Friday to Sunday (August 9 to 11).

      “Races are a really great opportunity for women who want to explore hat-wearing for the first time,” says Dunlap. “And if you’re already a hat wearer, it’s a really great opportunity to take it to the next level.”

      Behold the Knave ($545): a big sweeping, Edwardian-inspired splendour that wouldn’t look out of place at Ascot. She created this showstopper with black handwoven straw fabric as the base. Then she garnished the crown with a large bouquet of black velvet and chiffon roses, finishing it with a cloud of vintage tulle that can be dipped down over the face or left floating to create an even bigger aura.

      If the Knave boasts a bit too much grandeur for your taste, Dunlap has some great entry-level hats that are less showy but every bit as beautiful.

      “A gateway Saucy Milliner hat would be the Alice,” says Dunlap, and she’s right.

      This gorgeous platter hat has a late ’40s–early ’50s silhouette, a vintage silk veil, and layers of distressed sinamay on the brim to create an ethereal cloud of texture ($365). It’s so lovely unto itself, all you need to complete this look is an LBD, hot-red lips, and a mint julep—then you’re good to go!

      “It’s different,” says Dunlap of the Alice. “But it’s not ostentatious. It’s not over the top. It’s very approachable.”

      It should be noted that she’s also got an amazing line of saucy styles for men that she can customize according to stature, face shape, and personal taste. One of the highlights here is the open telescope porkpie in black cherry ($500). Consultations for bespoke orders—for both men and women—are free and by appointment only; hats should start selling online October 1.

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