A grade eight pupil from St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls has become the youngest qualified milliner in South Africa after completing a hat-making course.
Kloof, South Africa (15 October 2021) – Every lady deserves a fancy hat; whether it be for a wedding, high tea or a day at the races, it makes everything feel so much more exciting. One young lady has trained as a Milliner to explore the art of hat-making.
The term milliner, originally from “Milener”, originally meant someone from Milan, in northern Italy, in the early 16th century. It referred to Milanese merchants who sold fancy bonnets, gloves, jewellery and cutlery. In the 16th to 18th centuries, the meaning of milliner gradually changed from a foreign merchant to a dealer in small articles relating to dress. Today it is the term for someone who makes formal hat wear.
Sphesihle Mbuyazi completed a millinery course run by Hatz by Jeanie. According to her teacher, when she started, she couldn’t sew. Jeanie took her under her wing, patiently taught her how to sew, and oversaw her making the magnificent creation photographer below and a fascinator.
Sphesihle was so determined and industrious, she finished the course in less time than some of her older, more experienced pupils, and that she was a delight to teach and mentor.
Sphesihle has a wonderful raw talent and a bright future as a Milliner.
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