Laura Del Villaggio has a Certificate in Millinery from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, as well as a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies: Costume & Textiles. She also has an extensive background in fashion and textiles, from apparel design to textile chemistry and conservation, and has worked as a vintage clothing store manager, fibre arts instructor, collections research associate, theatre costume designer, and milliner.

Laura is the creator of Milli Starr, an award-winning Texas based hat brand with an international reputation, and teaches a variety of millinery classes from her Austin studio. She has won multiple awards for her hats and headpieces, including winning 2nd place in the 2019 HATalk Competition and 3rd place in the 2015 HATalk Competition.

The American milliner has taught hat making classes for over ten years and offers both group lessons and private instruction. She can teach almost any technique, from beginning to advanced. Laura especially enjoys sharing the many “tricks of the trade” she has picked up over the years, such as how to properly drape a veil or create a perfectly rolled brim edge. By teaching couture millinery, she aims to preserve traditions and ensure a high standard of craftsmanship continues as new milliners join the industry. Visit www.millistarr.com to find details about Laura Del Villaggio’s upcoming hat making courses.