Isobel Robinson

Vendor Biography

In West Yorkshire, just across the hill from Bronte Country made famous by the literary sisters, there sits a modest little house with a hive of activity inside. The hammering of metal and whirring of a sewing machine compete with the general noise of two little ones running around.

What began in 2012 as a hobby soon became a chance to leave full-time employment and start up my own business. Initially working purely in jewellery design, my career took a turn after attending a taster millinery course which opened my eyes to a craft steeped in history. I love that the basic techniques to form a hat go back centuries, yet using modern materials I can push the boundaries to create more contemporary pieces.

Now an emerging hat and jewellery design studio, Isobel Robinson (formerly Lillibets Millinery) offers designs with a contemporary edge whilst retaining a timeless elegance. My designs have been seen at His Majesty King Charles III Coronation at Westminster Abbey, Royal Ascot, Cheltenham, the Derby and featured in TATLER, BRIDES, Liz Earle’s Wellbeing magazine and various regional publications.

As well as my millinery, I have also developed my jewellery style over the years. I work mainly in sterling silver, using recycled silver wherever possible, and melting down any off cuts to make sure nothing is wasted. I prefer using gemstones and pearls in my designs, as I’ve always been inspired by the natural world and love how they make each piece unique.

The combination of jewellery and millinery suits my personality to the ground. Though I can happily spend an hour quietly sewing brim of a hat, I love that once finished, I can put it aside and be melting down silver or wire wrapping gemstones the next. The sheer variety of my craft is what keeps me enthralled, often working late into the night as a design pops into my head and I can’t wait to try it out.

I hope you enjoy browsing my designs,
Isobel x