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WORKSHOPS
Experience the wonder of hat making and embark into the world of traditional and contemporary millinery, guided by milliner Rachael Clunie and carefully curated designers.
Indulging in a day of creativity and camaraderie, choose between personalized one-to-one sessions, one of our workshops for a group experience or as a corporate bonding day.
Immerse yourself in the artistry of this heritage craft, whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, you'll have the opportunity to learn and apply these timeless skills using a diverse range of mediums and materials as you explore your own design styles and adornments, all under the tutelage of our esteemed designer.
Discover the joy of bringing your hat visions to life, from concept to completion, in an environment filled with inspiration and encouragement. Join us for a memorable day of learning, laughter, and the satisfaction of crafting your very own masterpiece.
Our workshops welcome milliners seeking to expand their material expertise, fashion and costume designers, artists and sculptors drawn to wearable forms, and advanced beginners to professionals eager to explore new techniques.
2026 Diary
Thermoplastic Flowers with Maor Zabar
Join internationally acclaimed designer Maor Zabar for an exclusive, hands-on workshop as he returns to the UK to teach his signature Thermoplastic sculpting technique. This rare opportunity is designed for milliners, fashion designers, and creative makers who want to push the boundaries of contemporary headwear and explore innovative material-led design.
Known for his bold, architectural headpieces and experimental materials, Maor’s work redefines what millinery can be. In this immersive workshop, you’ll learn how to manipulate thermoplastics to create striking, lightweight, sculptural forms that hold structure without traditional blocking methods.
Whether you are an emerging maker or an established milliner, this masterclass will expand your technical skills and creative confidence.
Date| 15 March 2026
Location| Brighton
Price| £250
Japanese Silk Flower Making with Elena Kornienko
Elena Kornienko is an award-winning milliner and silk flower artisan, and the creative force behind Australian brand SilkyFlora. Trained in Adelaide, where she was named Best Millinery Student of the Year, she has since received multiple accolades, including Top 10 at Design Award Australia (2022) and ‘Best Millinery Exhibit’ at the Royal Adelaide Show for three consecutive years.Elena further refined her craft in Japan, training in the delicate art of Somebana (Japanese silk flower making) at the renowned Somebana School with founder Salomon Yasuda. Her work uniquely blends traditional millinery with this highly refined technique, creating exquisite, wearable art pieces.
We are thrilled to welcome Elena to the UK for the first time as a guest tutor, where she will share this rare Japanese silk flower technique. In this special 2 day workshop, Elena will introduce the fundamentals of Japanese silk flower making, including petal shaping, colouring, and traditional assembly techniques. Perfect for milliners, textile artists, and anyone with an interest in craftsmanship, the workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn how to create refined, lifelike silk flowers and incorporate them into headpieces or other creative projects.
Date: 15th & 16th August 2026
Location: Brighton
Price: TBC
Wire Work with Ian Bennett
Award-winning milliner Ian Bennett creates sculptural, couture headwear for royalty, fashion, and film. Trained at the Royal College of Art, he has worked with H.M. The Queen, designed for Karl Lagerfeld, Thierry Mugler, Boudicca, and contributed to Emmy-winning productions like BBC’s The Lost Prince.
Ian is the world’s only bespoke maker of black silk men’s top hats, combining hand-dyed feathers, 3D sculpting, and statement couture design from his London atelier. He will also be teaching millinery this year. Join Ian as he teaches his renowned wire framework. In the course Ian will guide students through designing, shaping and creating wirework hat frames to elevate millinery practice.
Date: TBC
Location: Brighton
Price: TBC
How To Book
For all enquiries or to book a workshop please email us at studio@rachaelcluniemillinery.com
Please not that places are strictly limited on all workshops. therefore please book early to avoid disappointment.