Milliner’s Guild celebrates St. Catherine’s Day

Happy St. Catherine’s Day! In anticipation of the annual celebration of the patron Saint of Milliners, we celebrated in a variety of ways! The NYC guild members met for dinner at Oyster Bar. Australian award-winning milliner Anel Heyman brought us a zoom class on how to make sinamay feathers. And, we participated as a sponsor of the St. Catherine’s Day Parade in New Orleans on November 24th!

Who was St. Catherine and why is she important to milliners!

St. Catherine of Alexandria was a 4th-century Christian martyr. While she isn't directly linked to millinery in her own life, she became associated with the craft through a unique historical tradition.  

In France, unmarried women over 25 were called "Catherinettes." To celebrate St. Catherine's Day on November 25th, they would wear extravagant hats in a variety of shapes, designs, and colors. This tradition, which dates back to the 10th century, is believed to have significantly influenced the evolution of millinery as we know it today.  

The Catherinettes' colorful and creative hats showcased the skill and artistry of milliners, inspiring them to push the boundaries of hat design. As a result, St. Catherine, though not directly involved in millinery, became an unofficial patron saint of the craft, symbolizing creativity, individuality, and the celebration of unmarried women.