Milliner Margie Trembley Chapeaux

Surprise! You haven't heard from me in a while.  I need to be more observant and keep you better informed of what's going on in this small town outside of Omaha, Nebraska.

Well Lots!!! The biggest news is that a Facebook Data Center is going to be built less than 3 miles from our gallery and hat shop. WOW! The Omaha National Cemetery is taking shape fast and there are several white headstones already in place.  It is a huge project as is the Facebook one. When you head down Highway 50 from Omaha, you will see the earth being moved on the right side of 50 and the silos are still in place on the Facebook property.  Hope they remain. The cemetery project has been going on for quite some time.

As far as the gallery and hat shop are concerned, we have been very busy making hats here at Margie Trembley Chapeaux

for the Kentucky Derby and Derby parties, volunteering at the World Cup of Equestrian events (jumping and dressage) held in my city (Omaha) and preparing hats for an exhibit in Wausau, WI at the Cultural Art Center. I did not apply to participate, they contacted me. One of my fellow milliner friends also has hats in this exhibit.

We were also asked to participate in the Lauritzen Gardens Spring Luncheon and one of our hats was featured plus we donated a fabulous prize of a tea party among the hats.

The biggest hat project was of my own doing.  I assembled materials for a hat challenge that I developed for a group of 9 milliners. I coined the name" the Funtastic Milliners International Group." I gathered up various materials, both millinery and non-millinery materials and various embellishments and sent them far and near to milliners in 6 different countries. There are 9 participants total. Here is the breakdown of the participants: one from Ireland, France, Australia, Scotland, 2 from the US and the rest from the UK.

This project started in August of 2016 and has just recently come to fruition. The incredible designs by my new milliner friends from all over the world are on display at our gallery, Springfield Artworks at 183 Main Street, Springfield, NE 68059. It's amazing how none of them look anything like any of the others.  It was definitely a challenge to come up with a hat that was stunning and wearable, but they all did it, me included.

One little special event happened. I applied for membership in the Milliners Guild, Org in New York City. I was accepted and got to spend some time with the members a few months back.  I also got to explore the Garment District and start to develop relationships with various suppliers for my industry. By luck, I also got to have hats at a huge ladies convention while there and also got to attend the dedication of the Oscar de la Renta US Postage stamp which was attended by Mrs de la Renta, family members and various dignitaries.  Anderson Cooper was the MC.  That event was a most memorable experience.

I was privileged to take another workshop from Wayne Wichern in San Francisco. Who would have thought that the practice of millinery would have been so complex? 

Lastly, Fella Vaughn and I are collaborating on the runway at Omaha Fashion Week. We were both excited to be selected from over 50 applicants. A little over 30 designers were selected. This is not the first time the two of us have worked together for a runway show, but the first time that we applied to participate together.  I thank Fella from the bottom of my heart for asking me. We will be showing our designs on Wednesday August 23, at the Omaha Design Center. You will be able to buy tickets at a discount through me as time gets closer so just let me know, and I can help you get that discount.

Want to share one piece of info.  Maybe you knew it, maybe you didn't. I am available to speak to your women's clubs, book clubs, luncheons, set up some hats for events or many other possible activities.  Just give me a ring at 402-301-9162.  

 Til next time....

Margie