A few weeks ago we were kindly asked by the fabulous cosmetic company 'Art Deco Couture' to provide make-up for ex Hollyoaks actress Melissa Walton, who used to play Loretta Jones.
The photo shoot was published in the Manchester Evening News yesterday and showcased a number of looks suitable for Ascot, which Melissa is attending.
All the hats were all designed and created by leading milliners 'H’Atelier' - who I am now desperate to create me a customised Cloche!!
Article published in MEN 7th June 2011
While stunning actress Melissa Walton clearly has a head for fashion, she admits she’s never worn a hat before. So, as the former Hollyoaks star plans her first visit to Royal Ascot next week, that most prestigious of events on the racing calendar, it was high time she took a look at some of the amazing millinery options now available.
The Royal Wedding this year shot the hat back to the top of the fashion parade – after the raft of weird and wonderful creations worn by almost all of the female wedding guests.
And as the dress code for Royal Ascot requires ladies to wear some form of millinery on their heads, this is well and truly the year to make a statement with your headwear.
So, for our fashion shoot, Melissa headed to leading Manchester millinery H’Atelier, based in the city’s northern quarter, where designer Jen Scott-Russell creates everything from feathery fascinators to statement widebrim hats based on every client’s individual requirements.
Click through the picture gallery for four top looks modelled by Melissa
Jen will be making a bespoke hat for Melissa, although we’ll have to wait until Royal Ascot next week to see what wonderful creation she has come up with.
In the meantime, Melissa took the opportunity to model some of the beautiful hats Jen has on display at her showroom, coupled with some of the key races fashion looks picked out for us by celebrity stylist Martine Alexander, who has worked with the likes of Coronation Street stars Michelle Collins and Michelle Keegan.
Melissa surprised herself with the hats she loved during the shoot – in particular the statement red hat and lime green floral fascinator.
She said: "It might sound strange but I’ve never worn a hat before, so I had no idea what styles would suit me or what to look out for.
"But I’ve been amazed by what I’ve seen today and the way a hat can really make or break an outfit.
"I’m going to Royal Ascot for the first time, and it’s going to be very dressy so I just wanted to be dressing like a lady.
"I loved the lime flower hat and the bright red hat with the black and white dress. That was just fantastic, it was all very Joan Collins in Dynasty."
Milliner Jen will now be working on the bespoke hat for Melissa to wear with a nude-coloured frilled dress that she will wear to Ascot. All headwear is hand-made and unique, with prices starting from £80 up to £350 depending upon detail and materials used.
And Jen reckons now is the time for ladies to go for wow hats and headpieces for summer events like the races and weddings.
Jen says: "Headwear is having a real resurgence and 2011 is proving to be a particularly fabulous year for hats. The Royal Wedding saw some outstanding creations and no doubt Royal Ascot will, too, but I believe hats can be worn for just about every occasion and should!"
She continued: "Hats add a unique signature to any outfit and really finish it off. And less can definitely be more – you don’t have to wear an elaborate concoction to make a statement."
One thing’s for sure – Melissa will certainly be ahead in the style stakes whichever hat she goes for!
CREDITS:
Pictures: Mark Waugh.
Hair: James Roberts at James Roberts Hairdressing, Tel: 0161 832 2448.
Make-up: Sian Louise Auld for Art Deco Couture. (Our Rougette!!)
Hats and location: H’Atelier, Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter, Manchester.
Styled by: celebrity stylist Martine Alexander.
With thanks: To Laura Graham
