Gigi Burris Millinery was founded in 2009, on a passionate love of both headwear and unique luxury. Inspired by the craft of an art that is slowly dying and reveling in the idea that a smaller group of people are able to preserve the art of hat making, with only the finest material and couture sewing techniques being used. Finding kindred spirits in Jeanne Lanvin and Gabrielle Chanel, who also began their fashion careers as milliners, Gigi Burris takes pride in preserving the delicate craft.
Gigi’s ongoing interest in millinery was heightened after studying in Paris and frequent visits to the old world mercerie shops. Upon returning she studied under New York based couture milliner Leah Chalfen, at Parsons School of Design and then apprenticed with Leah in her personal studio. After graduating with A BFA from Parsons in May 2009, where Gigi was nominated for the Designer of the Year award, her one of a kind hats and made to order ready to wear began to receive attention from the press, major titles including American Elle, Harpers Bazaar US, Self Service, Interview, The Last Magazine, and Vogue Italia. Vogue Italia then named Gigi one of the upcoming American designers to watch in the September 2009 Young Talents section. She also counts major celebrities, such as Rihanna, as fans.
As a 6th generation Floridian, it is no surprise that one of Gigi’s favorite materials to utilize is alligator skin, and even more meaningful, some of the luxurious skins come from gators captured on family property. Gigi, 23, resides in New York and her studio is located in the east village.