Laylaleigh, the West Sussex-based bespoke hat creator, will be the preferred milliner for Goodwood Racecourse throughout the 2016 season. Founded and designed by regular racegoer Leigh Johnson in 2010, Laylaleigh is known for its bold and exuberant styles, which look very much at home at the races.
APR 13th 2016
2016 Milliner ‑ Laylaleigh
Laylaleigh will be creating a Goodwood collection for the forthcoming season – which starts with Opening Saturday on 30 April – with each hat being named after a woman who has been significant to the Goodwood Estate’s history. French aristocrat Louise de Karoualle is celebrated with a piece named ‘Duchess of Portsmouth,’ while the ‘Lady Emily’ hat takes its name from the lively and head-strong Lady Emily Lennox.
As preferred milliner, Laylaleigh will lend its skills to helping shape the image of the Racecourse, leading the style and setting the trends for racegoers to follow.
Johnson learned her trade from one of the industry leaders, Ian Bennet, who taught her many of the traditional methods for creating bespoke head-pieces. Her perches, hats and fascinators combine these techniques with unique materials to stand out from the crowd. Her designs are crafted in her studio showroom based in the beautiful coastal village of West Wittering.
On the announcement, Johnson said; “Being asked to be the preferred milliner for Goodwood for this year is such a privilege. Goodwood racecourse is so dear to me, having attended race meetings there with my family my entire life.
“Goodwood is steeped in glamour and history, this capsule collection has been designed to reflect that and I truly believe there is a hat for every woman in the collection."
To mark the occasion, Laylaleigh will be hosting a shopping event at the Kennels, Goodwood on Thursday 21 April, from 9.30am to 2.30pm. Johnson will be at the event to talk about her Goodwood collection and offer her bespoke millinery service alongside Petworth-based Sloanes Boutique. There will be a 15% discount on all items. For information, please call the Kennels on 01243 755132.