Hand-crafted bespoke hats, in beautiful sustainable materials, using traditional hat-making techniques and equipment. Handmade in Co.Roscommon, Ireland.
Earley Hats is the company of Irish milliner Katie Earley.
Katie is originally from Roscommon Town in Ireland. Growing up in the rural countryside allowed her a sense of creative freedom, and the seasonal colours and changing landscapes of Roscommon have served as important inspirations in her work.
Katie graduated with a degree in Fashion Design from The National College of Art and Design in Dublin in 2012, with a special interest in millinery.
In 2017, Katie completed a two-year dedicated millinery course in traditional hat-making techniques at the Tillskärarakademin tailoring school in Gothenburg, Sweden.
After receiving her qualification as a milliner in Sweden she was employed by world-renowned milliner Philip Treacy. Katie worked for Philip Treacy in London for two years. Under his direction, she made hats for various guests of the Royal Wedding in May 2018, and worked on commissions for Valentino Couture and The Royal Ascot.
Katie returned to Ireland in 2021 and created the millinery brand Earley Hats. The brand is characterised by heritage, colour and detail. She begins with a wooden hat-block, using traditional techniques to hand-craft fabrics in bold shapes and colours. Katie takes inspiration from classic headwear to design wearable hats with a contemporary feel.
All materials and adornments are up-cycled or sustainable or ethically sourced. Her pieces are made distinct by a rare attention to detail, and a selection of carefully-chosen trims. In this way, no one Earley Hat is alike. Katie is very passionate about embedding sustainability into the very fabric of her brand. It's a commitment reflected in every aspect of business operations, from sourcing materials to marketing messages.
