About Us
Angie Davidson interviews new Patron, Louis Mariette
Louis is a celebrity milliner, born in Malawi and of Mauritian origin. I-D magazine recently stated that he was one of the 250 most influential creative professionals in the World. Louis and his work feature extensively in the National and International press.
He is probably most famous for designing the World's most expensive hat (2004) - valued at a staggering £1.5 million. But more of that later.
Louis was running a party planning business when Creative Director and friend Michael Dye asked him to design 25 pieces for a fashion show in Milan. Louis said "When I turned up at the event, I was very nervous, as my friend's reputation was on the line. But they wanted every piece to be used and it was a huge success". And that was the start of a new career.
Known for creating theatrical fashion shows, his display at Sandown Ladies Day in July 2005, featured stilt walkers, dancers and a burlesque performer who came out of a giant hat box. His creations have been modelled by top names, including Jodie Kidd, Sophie Dahl, Isabel Kristensen, Alek Wek and Lisa Butcher and feature in photo shoots, films and on catwalks throughout the World.
Louis said "I am a people person and love to know what makes them tick. I have always been my own boss and am focused with enthusiasm and passion. I create bespoke couture - a totally one-off piece. People may come to me for a special occasion and we consult on design. They may bring a garment with them, a particular dress or outfit. When creating, I take the colours of the garment and the story into consideration. If, for example, there is a special piece of jewellery from a mother or grandmother, then I can incorporate it into a hat.
I have got a selection of opulent fabrics and unusual materials. I believe women should get dressed up. Dressing well is great for your self esteem. If you are feeling good you bring that aura with you - people are drawn to it. Radiance and happiness comes from within." Every creation is custom made and hand sewn by Louis.
So what about the hat? Louis explains. "Inspired by the ivy and bluebells in the forest at Cliveden House, the fabric was a rare weave of platinum surrounded by diamonds. By chance the Platinum Guild and I had talked about working on a project together and then 'voila'... Harrods called asking me to do something spectacular for the opening of their new hat department that was, coincidently, being sponsored by American Express Platinum!!!
The deadline would be tight especially as I was just about to go back to my roots on a holiday to Mauritius and Seychelles. There was only one solution to it - take all my hat blocks and equipment and weave the creation on an exotic island!!!
This was a magical experience, especially on Bird island in the Seychelles, where I stitched with birds swooping just inches around me, sitting on a fallen palm on the beach, my feet in powder white sand. However organising a theatrical unveiling on a mobile from the Indian ocean resulted in having a record breaking phone bill!!!!
Surreal as it was, the hat travelled Air Seychelles and the air stewardess insisted the hat would be in its hat box with me, with its very own seat in first class and she proceeded to move a passenger elsewhere!!!! She knew what a tight deadline I had on arrival and got me off the plane first...wow....that's customer service for you.
Whizzing to Harrods, hair, makeup, rehearsals, musicians...it was very tight deadline. However the overall look was elegantly carried off by the stunning Lisa Butcher who glided like a gazelle....and that, as they say, is...'showbiz' !!!"
Since then, the hat was requested for several glamorous events such as the Dubai World cup, Cliveden, numerous television appearances and was also worn by several stunning ladies such as Hollywood actress Alicia Witt.
Louis also said "To be approached by Angie Davidson to be a Patron came as a wonderful surprise. Not only is it an honour to be asked, but when you see the bravery, confidence, support and hard work she and the team at the Louise Coote Lupus Unit commit, I feel I wish I could wave a magic wand to solve the issues of this illness.
However there are many positive issues that should never be forgotten - bringing people together, new friendships, compassion, support, moral and social duty.
If in my own way, through fashion and with open heart, I can commit and contribute support in any way, then I guess it really is a cherished gift to be asked to be a Patron".
