Lali Heath

Lali Heath was born and raised in Kenya.  She studied Geography and Anthropology at St Andrews University in Scotland.  She lives with her husband, James, on their Avocado farm near MtKilimanjaro in NorthernTanzania.

Lali divides her time between the farm, Kenya, and the UK, constantly learning new skills, sourcing materials and creating beautiful hand made hats and head dresses. 

All Lali's pieces are individually designed and are created using traditional couture techniques.    She uses hand blocked straws, quality felts, carefully sourced silks and vintage Panama straws. She frequently crafts her own trims, using, for example, feathers which she collects: Flamingo feathers from the shores of Lake Elementaita, Vulturine Guinea Fowl feathers from the African bush and Peacock feathers from an English garden. Otherwise all her materials are purchased from quality bespoke millinery suppliers in the UK. 

Lali learned traditional millinery techniques with one of England's premier couture milliners, Jane Corbett. What began as a three day taster course in the summer of 2012, evolved as an apprenticeship. Since then Lali has continued to augment her skills with further sessions with Jane, whose clients include HRH The Duchess of Cambridge and her mother, Mrs Carole Middleton.

Lali Launched her own brand, Lali Heath Millinery, with Jane Corbett in 2013. Her collection includes classic wide brimmed picture hats, beautiful felt hats for everyday wear, elegant Cocktail hats, dainty headpieces and bridal wear.