Hello, my name is Ann Montarello. Ever since I can remember I grew up watching my Mother-Lena sew. As a result I have loved creating and sewing whatever and whenever I could too. I became increasingly curious about the art of Millinery and so I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, (F.I.T.) in NYC to learn everything I could about the ancient art of hat making. 

I also attended classes of world renowned and royal milliners to perfect my hat making techniques every chance I could get. 

It is my hope that you will notice and appreciate the utmost attention to detail that I've put into each and every one of my millinery creations. 

I sew my straw braid hat sculptures from a single braid on a millinery sewing machine dating back to 1878 which was invented for the sole purpose of creating straw braid hats. I practice the same couture hand finishing techniques used by royal milliners and fashion forward milliners. I source the finest straws, fabrics and special millinery supplies right down to the threads and vintage French ribbons used to ensure that my hats are of the finest quality.

As you may have gathered, I'm very passionate about what I do! It is my sincerest hope that you will not only notice the difference in the quality of my creations but also be proud to own and wear one.