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Hat making is an expression of creativity which adds beauty to a fashion sense and glamour to complement a suitable dress. The ability to create hats in the most fashionable way is an art that speaks to the heart. It can be worn for sundry occasions like weddings, garden parties, the races, graduations, charity events or soiree affairs. There are many of such creatives world-over who have the ability to form beauty with their own hands and make good out of straw, fabric and felt, an electric mix and other contemporary materials. One of them is Lyze Bamigbola, the proprietress of Lyze Hats. Fascinated with the passion for hat making from a young age, she sought ways to unleash and express her desires for what she really loved. With a strong art and non-arts educational background, she is blessed with the wit to impact and teach the younger generation. Lyze is known to have learnt from some of the world’s greats in her field and has a blend of western and African experience, which is evident in her works and expression. She takes Azuka Ogujiuba through the creative process of her wonderful hat collections and reveals some personal details about her life
We learnt you have two non-art related degrees, tell us about that
My two non-Art related degrees are a teaching certificate and degree – NCE, BA (Ed); Women Studies with Third World Studies – BA, MA
With such a grounded educational background, why hats making and at what point did you decide to venture into hat making?
I have always been an enquiring mind, a ‘out-of-the-box’ thinker, more of a creative mind and wanted to settle at that but my parents didn’t think it was a great career path. It wasn’t until I was in my first year of university that I sneakingly took the GCE O’Level (without any tutelage) in Fine Art and Design. I was awarded a high grade, A². I took the result home. My result was proof to my parents I was serious about Art in whatever form, which I finally settled down to embark on, in the form of Design, Calligraphy and Hat Making.
My love of Graphics led me to my very first artistic project; and still in my first year in university; I secured this project with the help of a friend. I designed a signage for a high-end shop, of the time and, 25 years after, the ‘Stopcentre’ logo on Allen Avenue, where it was originally designed for, is still in use. Having an outlandish fashion sense, I decided to channel this into fashion, but I wanted a challenge, I didn’t want dressmaking either. I wanted to be an accessory designer. I struggled to choose between shoe making and Millinery (hat making). I knew I would need more tuition and guidance for whichever I was going to choose. I was not swayed. In 1999; I enrolled for a three-year course at the Kensington and Chelsea College to study Millinery Design. I have not looked back since.
You’ve taken different courses so far in your quest to enhance your skills and be at the peak of your career, how impactful has this process been especially so that younger generations can learn to invest such in their craft?
The Headwear industry is everchanging. Each course is an addition to previous knowledge and an enhancement to already acquired skills. No knowledge is lost. It is important to update one’s skills but more essential to have a firm foundation. Many “makers” of today do not have that. This is no easy feat as good courses are expensive, so are materials. With passion, focus and determination, The urge to be the best becomes a burning desire, so does the urge to seek good institution to teach intricacies, techniques and design astethics of Millinery. One is amongst the best at what one does. It is also advisable to find one’s niche. You just don’t do or go after something because someone else is doing it. With the availability of the internet, there are few free starter courses but an investment in good foundation courses is a must.
You’ve got loads of competitors in your chosen career, what stands your brand, Lyze Hats, out?
It is always good to have competitors. I am a “hat designer,” everything is created from start to finish.
The final headpiece speaks for itself, carefully planned each step of the way. My style is a classic assertion; this reflects in vibrant, quirky and fresh creations. My passion for perfection is seen all through each headpiece, which is carefully crafted, hand blocked, hand-stitched all throughout with high grade materials. My attention to “detail, functionality and design” matched with an excellent client relationship management makes my work stand out. My clients will vouch for this. I pride myself in the originality of my work and my interest is not only in the headpiece worn, but the styling of my client’s complete outfit. My ultimate goal is to “inspire confidence, create a timeless sophistication in the wearer whilst also pleasing the observer.” I say, “a lady in one of my creations dictates her own outcome, in which she can be elusive, mysterious, seductive, wild or flamboyant.”
What has been your major challenge and if you could advocate for a change in that regard, what would that be?
For ‘makers’ to learn this craft properly. So suddenly; everyone is a ‘Milliner’ and everyone is tutoring. I see a lot of the ‘glue gun’ use rather than hand-stitching, use of inappropriate materials too, it seems to be a quick fix to a result. I would advocate for investment in good foundational training. Free Youtube videos will not teach the basics, techniques, processes, fashion-Illustration and design of this ever changing Millinery industry. Also, for more headwear to be worn.
We also learnt that you tutor others, which is by far a generational knowledge, if handled seriously. What do you want to be remembered for?
Yes, I tutor privately from time to time and most recently, taken on members of Milliners Network Association of Nigeria whose 4th yearly hat exhibition is on 9th October, 2021. I saw potential in some upcoming makers; I also realised some things were not done correctly. We hold classes on Wednesdays at the Millinery Lyceum Group. I am thinking of getting adequate materials across, as well so certain projects could be carried out effectively. I would want to be remembered for one who inspired others, fostered and strengthened their vision by sharing my knowledge. That alone maximises my joy and will make me fulfilled.
What’s your advice for men and women who are faced with domestic violence in their marriages?
Everyone deserves to be happy in whatever ‘ship’ they are in. When one is threatened physically and one’s mental health is at stake, basically it is time to get out before it is too late.
Often better than being carried out in a bodybag or maimed.
Tell us about your formative years
I was born in the Borough of Buckinghamshire (now Berkshire), England. I have four siblings. I had a sound education. My late father was always quick to say “Your education is your only legacy”. I hear his words reverberating. They have stayed with me and I made sure I toed that line, did what my parents wanted but also found a way to eventually follow my passion and successfully hand the baton on. Being 6ft 1’ and outlandish, I gave modelling a shot. I was called in for my first modelling job. The test shots came out beautifully and were sold. They were first printed in the Nigerian newspaper. The Vanguard.
They were printed on a Sunday. My father was livid and he wrote about his displeasure to me…but I had signed a contract, and the pictures kept coming.
Can we say you were born with a silver spoon?
Absolutely not. My parents were educated and were both comfortable. We led s normal life.
How did your background shape your life?
My parents were super strict. Basic values instilled and this shaped my background and even when I started living on my own. I always remembered what was instilled in me. I really couldn’t step out of line
What was the best gift you remember receiving as a child?
I actually don’t remember, but no giftcould have taken the place of a sheet of paper and a pencil. I would draw and scribble for ages. No gift could take the place of novels. I read at any given time, stealing moments behind the house and late nights to finish reading; the toilet being the safest place to escape. In one instance, I had JHC (James Hadley Chase) ‘The way the Cookie Crumbles’ in my Bible during a Bible Knowledge class. I was engrossed. The Rev Sister Joanna had asked a question and called me to answer. I didn’t hear her speak to me nor realised she had stealthily walked up to me. I was caught and I served my due punishment thereafter.
What was the most difficult thing that has ever happened to you in all your years and how did you overcome it?
Not being able to know where to start with my passion, as soon as I came to the UK. It will take a few visits to career advisers to know what to do and what was needed to steer me in the right direction.
What do you consider the biggest mistake you have ever made?
Oh dear! The biggest mistake I have made is allowing people stay and having an undeserved frontal seat far more longer than they deserved to. It is very important to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony in your life.
What are some of the lessons life has taught you?
To always remember the ‘front row’ seats are for special and deserving people and they ought to be chosen carefully. Everyone can’t be in your front row.
What are your plans going forward, what are your future plans?
I intend to develop the brand, have more heads wear my creations, Add More Millinery hubs over the world. At present, my headpieces can be purchased in Nigeria at Head And Shoulders, Ikoyi, whilst continuing to tutor privately.
What’s your biggest fear in life?
Failing! I say this to myself always….’Lyze, you have only one shot, and you have to hit the bull’s eye.’
