The celebrated milliner, Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka, designs beautiful hats that are true works of art. As a Chicago native, Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka has carved a unique niche for herself in the world of fashion. She currently runs an elegant pop-up shop at the historic Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago, located near the iconic Palm Court. Guests at the Drake Hotel have the delightful opportunity to view and try on the exquisite hats created by Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka, making for a truly special shopping experience. The fashionable hats are displayed enticingly, often near the renowned tea room, and watching the joy on customers’ faces as they discover the perfect hat is a source of great satisfaction for Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka, who finds immense pleasure in helping people feel extraordinary through her handcrafted headwear.
The Art of Millinery with Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka
Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka’s journey into the captivating world of hat making began during her college years. While studying fashion design, an unexpected bad haircut sparked her initial foray into millinery. She discovered an immediate passion for the creative process, recognizing that hats offered intricate design possibilities, akin to couture gowns but without the fuss of zippers. Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka takes immense pride in her meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring each piece is trimmed with unparalleled care. Her work masterfully explores the interplay of color and texture, often contrasting plush velour with gleaming buckles. The silhouettes offered by Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka are both classic and playfully contemporary, always maintaining clean lines that beautifully flatter a woman’s face. These wearable art hats are decidedly feminine and modern. She honed her millinery skills in Chicago and furthered her education in New York. For over a decade, she shared her expertise by teaching millinery at Judith M Millinery Supply, attracting students from across North America and forging lasting friendships. Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka is an award-winning milliner, and her creations have graced the pages of print publications, as well as film and theater productions. Her work has adorned many glamorous events. Among her favorite embellishments are vintage flowers, sourced from places like Germany and France, alongside luxurious silks and velvets. Buckles and feathers add exquisite detail to her designs. She sources her supplies globally, and every piece is handcrafted with deliberate intention. Her approach represents a harmonious blend of craft and design, resulting in pieces intended to be cherished forever. She typically offers around 15 core styles, with approximately 40 variations. Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka consistently challenges herself to innovate and create new looks. Her hand-sculpted pieces are particularly sought after, with a rose hat being a perennial favorite. The classic cloche and fedora styles are also highly flattering. Her smaller fascinators, designed for versatility, can be attached with a headband or clip. Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka utilizes materials such as straw cloth and wool, incorporating veiling for delicate detail and vintage treasures for a unique touch. She believes that hats empower women, helping them feel seen, pretty, and special. Many women are pleasantly surprised by how flattering her hats are. Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka finds profound joy when a client discovers their perfect hat – a truly rewarding experience. It feels like a gift when the hat finds its destined owner. Her fashionable hats accompany them to fabulous occasions, including weddings and parties, embarking on adventures and making women feel like the most beautiful versions of themselves. Furthermore, Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka extends her artistry to creating beautiful headwear for individuals experiencing hair loss, helping them feel confident and gorgeous.
A Chicago Connection for Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka
As a proud native Chicagoan, Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka feels deeply connected to her city. She is an active and vital participant in Chicago’s vibrant fashion scene. The Drake Hotel, a true landmark situated in the elegant Gold Coast neighborhood, provides a fittingly sophisticated backdrop for her work. The renowned Palm Court, famous for its exquisite afternoon tea service, gains an added layer of charm with the presence of Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka’s creations. Her hats perfectly complement the refined experience of afternoon tea, creating an undeniably elegant pairing. Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka showcases her handcrafted headwear at the Drake approximately 65 times a year, feeling she has found a perfect home for her business. This successful collaboration, spanning nearly 30 years, enhances the hotel’s allure by adding a touch of unique, local fashion talent that aligns seamlessly with the hotel’s timeless elegance. This partnership is a true testament to the collaborative spirit that brings exceptional style to Chicago, celebrating the city’s homegrown fashion artistry. The work of Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka has been featured on “Eye on Chicago,” a segment dedicated to highlighting exceptional local individuals and their unique contributions. News outlets frequently cover her noteworthy fashion design, underscoring the city’s pride in her exceptional craft, which truly represents Chicago fashion. Her wearable art hats are not only stylish but also breathtakingly beautiful. Customers often inquire about where they acquired such unique pieces, feedback that brings Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka immense joy as she witnesses her creations finding their appreciative owners.
The Creative Process Behind Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka’s Designs
Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka operates from a cozy home studio, where the transformation of materials into stunning headwear begins. The process of steaming wool felt over a wooden mold is surprisingly physical, demanding significant energy. Once the felt achieves its desired form, it must dry completely before the crucial wiring stage, which establishes the hat’s definitive shape. Finally, Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka meticulously adds a hem and attaches a sweatband to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The entire creation of a single hat can take up to 10 hours. During this detailed work, Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka finds that time seems to melt away as she becomes fully immersed, feeling happy and intensely focused. Her hands move with practiced skill, guided by an innate understanding of her craft. Her designs are intentionally uncluttered, characterized by clean lines that are both flattering and eminently wearable. She offers charming mini fascinators priced at $35, while her more elaborate couture pieces range from $175 to $400. Chicago Milliner Laura Hubka also undertakes commissions, collaborating closely with clients to help them build complete outfits where the hat serves as the perfect finishing touch. She relishes these creative challenges. Her collections provide a wide array of choices, appealing to diverse tastes and ranging from sophisticated to whimsical. The color palette spans from vibrant hues to classic neutrals. The exceptional quality and artistic merit of her work firmly establish it as a defining element of Chicago fashion, serving as a powerful testament to her design artistry.
