Milliner has treat in store after hats go to the head of racing presenter

Since graduating 18 months ago from Leeds College of Art, where she achieved a distinction in millinery, Ampleforth-based Suzanne has been making a name for herself as an up-and-coming designer of unusual and eye-catching headpieces that are especially suited for special occasions and race meets.

She is attracting a cult fashionista following, with celebrity fans including Channel 4 Racing presenter, Emma Spencer, who described Suzanne’s millinery as her “best find” of the year.

In July, Suzanne showed a countrywear-inspired collection of hats and headgear to enthusiastic crowds at the Great Yorkshire Show, where she worked with model agency Morton-Gledhill The Fashion Team on the daily catwalk shows staged at the showground’s Fashion Pavilion.

Tony Murray, general manager at Harveys of Halifax, which also took part in the show, liked the collection so much that he invited Suzanne to come up with a range of millinery to retail exclusively through the family-run department store, which is celebrating 60 years of business.

“We were really impressed with Suzanne’s hats at the Great Yorkshire Show,” Mr Murray said. “They looked stunning and the quality was second-to-none. We feel her collection will add the finishing touches to many of the outfits we have in stock this autumn.”

Suzanne is not a complete stranger to the High Street, having already worked on projects with prestigious British fashion retailer LK Bennett, but the Harveys’ range will be her first stand-alone ready-to-wear collection.

“I am thrilled to be given an opportunity with such a fantastic retailer,” she said. “Halifax is a great shopping venue, a real gem, and to have my hats in such a prestigious location is a huge honour for me.”

Susanne Gill’s collection is now on sale at Harveys of Halifax, with prices ranging from £35 for a fascinator, and going up to £189.