Working with Clients

A note before you begin

Working with clients is a different experience to making for yourself or creating ready-to-wear pieces.

It introduces new considerations - communication, expectation and interpretation.

It is not something that needs to be rushed into. Developing confidence in your making should come first.

When you do begin working with clients, a clear and considered approach will make the process more enjoyable for both you and the person you are creating for.

It is also worth noting that custom work is not essential. Some milliners prefer to work entirely in ready-to-wear, while others focus on custom pieces. Many find a balance between the two.

Understanding the brief

Clients will often come with an idea, an outfit or a reference image.

Your role is to interpret this, rather than replicate it.

Take time to understand:

• the occasion
• the outfit and colour palette
• the scale that will suit the wearer
• how the piece will be worn

This information will guide your decisions and help you create something that feels appropriate and considered.

Some requests may be simple, such as adjusting the colour of an existing design. Others may involve developing a completely new idea together.

It is important to be realistic about what you can take on. If a request sits outside your current skill level, it is better to decline than risk delivering something that does not meet your standard.

Working with inspiration

It is common for clients to bring images of other milliners' work.

These should be treated as a reference point, not something to recreate.

Rather than focusing on copying a piece, consider what the client is responding to:

• the shape
• the colour
• the scale
• the level of detail

This allows you to create something original that still meets their expectations.

Maintaining originality

Millinery is a small and considered industry and originality is highly valued.

Recreating another milliner's work can undermine both your own development and the work of others.

It is important to be clear in your approach.

You can acknowledge a client's preferences while still guiding the outcome toward something that reflects your own work.

This not only respects the industry, but also helps you build a body of work that is recognisably yours.

Communicating clearly

Clear communication is essential.

Many custom orders begin through email or social media, so taking the time to ask the right questions early on is important.

This may include:

• the occasion
• what the client plans to wear
• the required timeframe
• colour preferences
• what drew them to your work

Providing a simple outline or sketch can help ensure both you and the client have the same understanding.

Some makers also share small samples - such as a dyed material or a trim element - to confirm direction before committing to the full piece. This can prevent unnecessary changes later and allows any samples to be reused if the design shifts.

The price of the piece should always be discussed before beginning, along with a deposit to secure the work.

Managing expectations

Clients may not always understand the process involved in millinery.

It can be helpful to explain:

• how long a piece takes to make
• why certain materials or techniques are used
• what is realistic within the timeframe

Custom pieces often take longer than expected, and rushed work rarely leads to a strong result.

Setting expectations early creates a smoother experience for both you and the client.

Fittings and adjustments

Where possible, fittings allow you to refine the piece for the individual wearer.

This may involve:

• adjusting placement
• refining scale
• ensuring comfort and balance

Even small adjustments can make a significant difference.

In many cases, particularly when working remotely, fittings may not be possible. Clear communication and careful planning become even more important in these situations.

Knowing when to guide the process

While it is important to listen to your client, it is equally important to guide the design.

You bring knowledge of:

• proportion
• construction
• materials

If something is unlikely to work, it is better to address it early and offer an alternative.

This builds trust and leads to a stronger final piece.

Finishing for the wearer

A piece made for a client should feel comfortable, secure and appropriate for the occasion.

Consider:

• how it will be worn over time
• how it is secured
• how it complements the overall outfit

Finishing is not only about appearance, but also about how the piece performs.

A final note

Working with clients is a process of collaboration.

It requires balance - between listening and guiding, between interpretation and originality.

With time and experience, this becomes more intuitive.

If you approach it with clarity and care, it can be one of the most rewarding parts of millinery.

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