I have been a milliner for over 30 years; beginning at London College of Fashion, graduating to Philip Treacy’s atelier and later setting up my own label – Tara O’Callaghan Millinery. I've made hats for the races, weddings, fashion week, funerals, advertising and wild weekends away and loved every stitch.  

The most popular design i ever created wasn’t planned. It came instead from a personal need: having been diagnosed with skin related issues. I was now in need of a hat. The surprise was how many of you need that same comforting protection and style. 

To design the ideal hat, I set about combining all the elements that give maximum protection (primarily SPF50 and optimum width of brim etc), practicality and style. To add to these, I also craved comfort and to feel nurtured. Various ideas have been tried out over the years; each one enthusiastically cut, sewn, pulled, blocked until the eureka moment when a beak-like cap started to take shape. Hugging the face, caressing the back of the head, covering the ears and oh so snug, I had it! - The Shell had evolved. It was by chance that the Shell gained its wider attention. A client noticed my somewhat ‘loved’ cap and asked to try it on, she loved it, exclaimed that it felt like a hug and that I was onto something and should share the design.  

The Shell is stocked at Limewood Spa Hotel in the New Forest and The Circus in Sherborne, borrowed by fashion stylists and proving to be a hit with fashionistas as well as those keen to protect their skin from harmful rays whilst looking stylish.  

The skin is repaired (hurrah) and still can’t seem to shake off The Shell, after all who doesn’t want a casing that looks great and feels wonderful.