Carrie Jenkinson, a milliner from Wiltshire, had the opportunity of a lifetime when Lady Gaga ordered four hats from her. The impact of this commission has been massive for Jenkinson, who has since had private jets and luxury cars picking up her creations for other famous clients who expect fast turnarounds.
Despite the pressure, Lady Gaga was “generous and supportive” and gave Jenkinson a two-week deadline to complete the hats. Jenkinson, who started making hats as a hobby, now runs Carrie Jenkinson Millinery full-time due to the popularity of her designs.
The timing of Lady Gaga’s order was serendipitous for Jenkinson, who had been struggling after an accident left her brain damaged last year. Making hats has become a form of therapy for her, and she believes her creations are now even better than before.
Lady Gaga wore the hats during her Las Vegas residency and even sent two back to Jenkinson for her own use. One of the hats, a black feather creation, was tilted over Gaga’s face during a performance and is handmade and shatter-proof for stage use.
Despite the high-profile commissions, Jenkinson still operates her business from her small village, where clients prefer the personal touch of visiting her workshop. Her space is filled with hats that have been featured in events like London Fashion Week, showcasing her passion for her craft.
Reflecting on her newfound success, Jenkinson said, “It’s more than a job to me, it’s something I really love doing.” The “knock-on effects” of Lady Gaga’s order have been significant, but Jenkinson is grateful for the opportunity and is embracing the wave of success that has come her way.
