Biography: Gail Christensen, Milliner

As a child growing up in Lake Forest, IL, Gail Christensen developed an intense interest in how color related to the environment and people. It was only natural for her to pursue a career in floral and environmental design, as well as a degree in Biopsychology at the University of California - Santa Barbara.

In 1979, Christensen became an apprentice to internationally known designer John Daly of Daly Designs, a firm specializing in floral design and party coordination for the movie studios, stars and other corporations. Gail graduated to Designer in 1981 when one of her floral creations signed the Rachel Welch account. In following years, work would take her around the world, from designing an Arabian Nights party for Donna Summers, to choosing the colors used for the Las Floristas Headdress Ball (the largest charity ball in the country). Her travels sparked a hobby, developed in childhood, of attending teas at the leading hotels of the world. During this same time, she started to collect hats. She "just had to have a hat for every outfit" and after taking private classes from a renowned milliner in the San Diego Theater, Gail decided she could design her own. Developing a wonderful foundation for a successful freelance design career, Gail set out on her own.

Combining her knowledge of color, "attraction to tea" and design talents, Gail coordinated her first tea etiquette class in the early 1990's. By designing and creating all the hats worn at the original teas, she defined the concept of the "Millinery Tea". This concept has evolved into Gail's true passion of lecturing on hat history and the "Science of Millinery Design".

Hats are a significant part of proper tea etiquette, as well as to history in general, and Gail is the first to let you know it. From the original form, to how it was worn and for whom it was made - all contribute to how we view people of the past as well as today. (i.e. A chef's hat has 100 folds/pleats for a respectable chef is supposed to know 100 ways to prepare an egg.)

The "calm excitement" she feels from her millinery teas and lectures is nothing compared to the enjoyment Gail receives from watching others try on her hats: "The change in their faces and their vision of themselves is such a joy to see, when THEY recognize it."

Clients who see a hat they like may request their own color or size. All are one-of-a-kind. Mainly for women, her hats range from $45 to $1200. Her work can be seen by appointment in her studio, or at requested trunk shows.

Gail now resides in Lake Mills, Wisconsin working out of her home studio. The importance of color is evident in the designs she creates from her wide array of materials on display. The studio overlooks beautiful Rock Lake, a wonderful location for a woman focused on helping others learn the importance, and fun of how hats, color, and design have influenced history and the vision we have of ourselves.