About Fab Hats and Ulka

A lover of hats, Ulka learnt traditional millinery techniques at the Hat Works in Stockport. She set up Fab Hats in 2018 and works from a studio in her home in Greater Manchester.

Ulka loves working with a variety of colours and materials to create unique stylish hats and fascinators using a combination of traditional and modern methods. She works with customers through her bespoke service to create hats and fascinators that truly complete their outfits.

As a vegetarian, she doesn’t use fur or leather in her millinery and the sourcing of ethical materials is important to her.

Ulka keeps herself up-to-date through membership of the British Millinery Association, online training with other milliners, and subscriptions to millinery magazines. She’s also a member of a Magic Milliners group that meets regularly to share knowledge, techniques and ideas. She finds inspiration from many sources, such as the arts, architecture and nature.

Bespoke Service

It can take 6 to 8 weeks to complete a hat so don’t leave it too late to get in touch, especially if you’re a busy person. If you want a hat for a specific occasion, it’s usual to choose your outfit first. 

Our most popular options are:

• Hat style session – wear your outfit and try on various hats/fascinators to see which styles suit you best and what you’ll feel comfortable wearing for your occasion

• Complete design service – advice on what type of hat/fascinator will complete your outfit, colours, sketches of design ideas, sourcing and selection of materials.

What to expect:

• A typical first appointment includes taking head measurements, discussing your outfit and/or the occasion (if applicable), your likes and dislikes (in terms of colours, materials, styles), your budget, it can also incorporate the hat style session

• Once a design is agreed upon, a quote will be given (this may be a range to allow for flexibility of placement and number of trimmings), a timescale and payment terms* will be discussed, hat fittings will need to be arranged

• Where possible, recycled materials will be sourced for customers who wish to minimise the negative impact on the planet (it should be noted that longer lead in times may be necessary) 

• For bridal/bridesmaid combs, your colour schemes will be incorporated into the design.

*see our Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions

Appointments

Consultations are by appointment only. Please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to rearrange or cancel. Missed appointments or late cancellations may result in a fee.

Design Process

Bespoke pieces are created in close consultation with you to ensure comfort, style, and the perfect finish. Once the design has been agreed and work has begun, significant changes may incur additional costs.

Payments

A non-refundable deposit is required to secure all bespoke orders. This covers the time, materials, and design work involved in creating your headpiece. The remaining balance is due before collection or delivery.

Intellectual Property

All designs, sketches, patterns, and finished headpieces remain the intellectual property of the milliner. They may not be copied, reproduced, or commercially used without written permission.

Care of Your Headpiece

Millinery is delicate by nature. Care instructions will be provided, and following them will help your headpiece last for many occasions to come.