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MEET RACHAEL
Award-Winning Milliner & Designer
Behind the Millinery
Rachael’s creative roots began long before millinery. With a background in dance and the stage, followed by many years working within the events industry, she developed an instinct for drama, proportion and visual impact that would later become an integral part of her design language.
Her journey into millinery began in 2019, studying traditional techniques with milliners including Tracy Chaplin, Katherine Elizabeth and internationally renowned designer Maor Zabar. What began as a fascination with the craft quickly developed into a new creative direction, and Rachael Clunie Millinery was launched in 2020.
Drawn to sculptural form and unconventional detail, Rachael takes inspiration from nature, architecture, modern art and her theatrical background. Traditional techniques provide the foundation, but experimentation is central to her work — manipulating materials, challenging their expected use and allowing a design to evolve through the making process.
In 2021, Rachael was awarded a prestigious QEST Scholarship, enabling her to further develop her skills and continue her commitment to excellence in British millinery.
Recognition & Highlights
Beyond the Hat
Alongside her design work, Rachael has developed a growing programme of millinery workshops, specialist masterclasses and residential retreats, creating opportunities for others to explore the craft in an inspiring and highly creative environment.
Passionate about keeping millinery skills alive while encouraging experimentation and new ideas, Rachael brings together traditional techniques, contemporary approaches and exceptional teaching — both through her own workshops and through collaborations with leading milliners and specialist Guest Designers.
Her Luxury Millinery Retreats take this a step further, combining intensive creative learning with beautiful surroundings, exceptional tutors and time to completely immerse yourself in millinery.
For Rachael, teaching is not simply about learning a technique. It is about bringing people together, exchanging ideas and creating the space and confidence to discover what might be possible.
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DISCOVER WORKSHOPS & MASTERCLASSES →
EXPLORE MILLINERY RETREATS →
Rachael’s work has been recognised through awards, exhibitions and invitations to showcase her millinery at prestigious events and retailers across the UK.
QEST SCHOLAR
Awarded a scholarship by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, supporting excellence and the preservation of British craftsmanship.
PRESTIGE AWARDS
Bespoke clothing brand of the year 2022/2023
JOHN LEWIS, OXFORD STREET
Selected to exhibit her millinery at the John Lewis flagship store on Oxford Street as part of the celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW
Designer and exhibitor at the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show, showcasing Rachael Clunie Millinery alongside leading British luxury and lifestyle brands.
ELYS OF WIMBLEDON
Invited Guest Designer at Elys of Wimbledon as part of the iconic department store’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
MADE BRIGHTON
Selected exhibitor at MADE Brighton, showcasing contemporary millinery alongside leading artists, designers and craftspeople.