The Halo Pillbox - a new design classic

The Halo Pillbox was a natural evolution of our original Halo, designed specifically for clients attending Royal Ascot’s Royal Enclosure, where hats must cover the crown of the head. This refined adaptation quickly became a favourite, blending the elegant, face-framing quality of the Halo with the timeless sophistication of a Pillbox.

Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by our small, all-female team of three to four milliners. Every Halo Pillbox is made using traditional millinery techniques, shaped on wooden blocks, hand-ironed, and finished with hand-stitched wire edging, ensuring that each hat is truly one of a kind. This style is so cherished that we are continuously crafting them, no matter the season.

To offer additional options for Royal Ascot, we also developed a version of the Halo with a veiled crown, which gives the illusion of a Pillbox while maintaining the signature Halo silhouette. The Pillbox itself is a historically significant shape, traditionally sitting at the back of the head with a more structured, boxy form than a cocktail hat, which is typically rounded and worn toward the front. Depending on the fabric, the Pillbox can be styled for a variety of occasions—from garden parties and christenings to winter coats and formal events like OBE ceremonies. In felt or velvet, it offers a polished, classic look, while in pinokpok or straw, it creates a softer, organic style ideal for summer occasions, racing events, and Royal Ascot.

Given its popularity, the Halo Pillbox has been widely imitated—its shape, style, fabrics, and even name have been copied—but we take great pride in being its original creators. First designed nearly a decade ago, it remains one of our most coveted, couture-crafted designs, worn by the Duchess of Edinburgh and numerous European royals and VIPs. This is more than just a hat—it’s a timeless heirloom piece, handcrafted with couture techniques and designed to be passed down for generations.