"It's Not Just a Hat": Hats by Jill Logan

Jill Logan

2 min read

For years, I've been trying to get Jill Logan to showcase her hats, and now we finally have the chance to admire her millinery splendor. Despite her busy schedule, she has made time for us hat enthusiasts to view her chic designs. Gate open. - Victorine

Artist Statement

My love for fashion started at the very young age of four. I made my first hand-sewn quilt for my dolls from scraps of fabric my mother saved for me from her custom dressmaking business.

I majored in Business and minored in Art at Southern Illinois University.

During my second year at S.I.U., I moved to Chicago after being accepted to Vogue College of Design for Fashion Design. I won first place for my menswear line and evening wear in my first and second years. My first introduction to hat making was through my instructor, now milliner, Veronica Chin. Our class assignment was to create a hat based on reading the book "Pygmalion," which was made into the movie "My Fair Lady." In that class, we were taught how to form a wire and buckram frame. The class reminded me of going with my mother to her personal milliner and helping pick out the flowers and feathers for her custom hats.

Years later, my hat line was represented by Esther Mann and Associates at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago. They sold my hats and established several accounts with stores and boutiques in Chicago and throughout the Midwest, including Hats in the Belfry at Water Tower Place, Glover Me Tender at 900 North Michigan Avenue, and Ultimo on Oak Street.

My desire to advance my skills in millinery led me to attend Prudence School of Millinery in London, England. During my time there, Prudence was the principal hat designer for one of London's top designers, Vivienne Westwood. I was able to see firsthand all the details that went into making hats for high-fashion runway shows and fashion editorials.

Back in Chicago, I was accepted at the One of a Kind Show to sell my line of upcycled, repurposed clothing made into hats, jewelry, and accessories.

Today, you can find my hats at Tall Grass Gallery in Park Forest, IL, and at various trunk shows I do throughout the year.