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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sometimes there are lots of questions to ask when you are commissioning a headpiece to be made for you or buying online. Below I have listed some questions and answers that will help but of course feel free to email me with your enquiries to put any worries at ease!

I HAVE AN IDEA FOR A HAT/HEADPIECE - CAN I COMMISSION YOU TO MAKE ME SOMETHING?

Yes, absolutely! Bespoke commissions are what Alison Mary Millinery does best and I relish a challenge!

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HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?

We can do a zoom chat, talk on the phone or you can email me - whatever suits you best. 

EMAIL- alison@alisonmarymillinery.co.uk

MOBILE- 07903981356

 

CONTACT FORM

 

HOW DO I COMMISSION YOU TO MAKE ME A HEADPIECE/HAT?

You can contact me via email or phone. Currently I am unable to offer appointments at my studio due to the Coronavirus situation but I'm hoping that will change in the future. I can offer zoom meetings though. We can go through your ideas - sometimes it is helpful to have some inspiration for style, colour, size or what your wedding dress/outfit will be etc but this is not essential. It can also be helpful to know what you don't like so I can get a good idea of who you are. I have lots of sample pieces you can try on to see what suits you.

 

Once you have decided on some ideas I will sketch out a few designs for you to choose from. Then when you have chosen a definite idea I will research fabric samples, beads etc and from these I will draw a final, colour design. If you are happy with everything I will invoice you for a non refundable 50% deposit of the final amount (not including postage if you want your headpiece sent to you) which allows me to purchase materials.

 

Payment is usually via PayPal (you do not need a PayPal account for me to invoice you) Throughout the making process I will email photos of your headpiece/hat so you are happy with every stage. If you are local to Leeds, West Yorkshire you are welcome to come for a fitting once covid restrictions are lifted. When the headpiece/hat is complete I will invoice you for the final balance plus postage if necessary.

 

HOW LONG DOES A HEADPIECE/TAKE TO MAKE?

It all depends on how complicated or simple the design is but as a rough idea it can take between 1 - 3 weeks from when I begin the commission. I can give you a time frame once I know your requirements. It will also depend on my workload from other commissions or freelance theatrical millinery work.

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CAN YOU ADAPT AN EXISTING HEADPIECE/HAT FROM YOUR COLLECTION?

Many of my designs can be made in a different colour, trim or finish. Just contact me to discuss. I can also colour match to your outfit.

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ARE YOU ABLE TO COPY SOMEONE ELSE'S DESIGN?

No, I do not copy other designers work.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHANGE MY MIND?

I am unable to accept returns on bespoke or made to order pieces. This is because there is so much work involved and also if the design is unique to you, then I cannot resell it. However I do accept returns on ready to ship pieces (Ready to ship means headpieces or hats that are already made) They must be returned within 14 days, in a perfect condition and in the original packaging.

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DO YOU SHIP ABROAD?

Yes, Alison Mary Millinery ships worldwide. Shipping costs on the website are calculated on the weight of the headpiece and the postage destination. If you place a bespoke order I will advise you of postage costs. Postage within the UK is free.

 

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY HEADPIECE?

  • I make each headpiece to the highest standard so they stand the test of time but please do handle them with care especially those featuring hand beading or vintage jewellery.

  • Please avoid spraying perfume directly on or near your headpiece.

  • Veiling's can be gently steamed to reshape but avoid ironing directly onto the veil.

  • Its best to avoid the rain whilst wearing my hats and headpieces.

  • To keep your headpiece in its best condition I recommend it is stored in the hat box it is shipped in. The hat or headpiece will be wrapped in acid free tissue paper and carefully packed into a ribbon tied keepsake box or hat box.

 

HOW DO I MEASURE MY HEAD?

You can measure your head by taking a tape measure and measuring straight across your forehead, above your ears, round the back of your head (over the widest part) and back to your forehead. This must be done in a straight line horizontal to the floor. You can measure in either centimetres or inches. You can also use a piece of string following the instructions above and then lay it against a ruler to get the measurement.

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WHAT PAYMENTS DO YOU ACCEPT?

Alison Mary Millinery accepts all major credit/debit cards and payments made via PayPal.

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HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?

You can send me an email or call me on the contact details below. I am based in Leeds, West Yorkshire so if you are local, you can make an appointment to meet with me at my studio.

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EMAIL: alison@alisonmarymillinery.co.uk

TELEPHONE: 07903981356

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