'It feels very surreal': Pop icon orders hats from West Country maker
We're catching up with Carrie Jenkinson whose hats were worn by music and film legend Lady Gaga
Last updated 23rd Sep 2024
A 'Star is Born' in Wiltshire, with a hat-maker from Chippenham telling us she's so excited to see some of her hats back in her studio - after 'going on their adventures' in recent weeks.
Carrie Jenkinson, who is based in Sutton Benger, was tasked with a tight two-week turnaround, after being ordered by one of the queens of pop - Lady Gaga - to wear not just one, but four of her creations for her residency in Las Vegas.
Around a year and a half after an accident left her brain-damaged, Carrie told us it's all come at the right time.
She said: "It feels very surreal, and it's been really special, and I suppose that Lady Gaga has come along at a time when I really needed that boost - because I really wasn't sure I was going to carry on making hats.
"That would have been really sad, though, if I hadn't, because I just love making hats. It's definitely more than just a job for me.
"It's been a really hard year and a half, after suffering two serious brain haemorrhages - so I've quite literally had to learn how to do everything again.
"When I started making hats once again this year, I was really surprised that I was able to do it so naturally - and actually, it's been really good therapy for me over that time."
It's not the first time Carrie has been tasked with such a job, as she's reguarly making headwear for the rich and famous, but she tells us this involvement with Lady Gaga has attracted the 'Paparazzi' - with the story even being picked up by the New York Times.
She added: "Two of the hats actually came back, and I still can't believe they've been on the actual head of Lady Gaga.
"I have them here in my office, and I just keep touching them, just thinking how surreal this all is.
"If I were to have a favourite of the four hats which Lady Gaga picked, I think it has to be the one which she wore to close the show.
"She sang 'Bad Romance' at the launch of her new Joker film wearing it, so my hat is now quite literally a part of history.
"It's amazing - she's literally one of the most incredible artists of her generation."
Well, now there's been attention from the other side of the Atlantic - what's next for the Wiltshire hat-maker?
Well, it's of course getting more air-time on the small screen - whilst also making hats locally - as she told us her heart's set in the West Country.
Carrie said: "They wear some awesome hats on Emily in Paris, and I've just connected with Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu from the show, actually, who plays one of the main characters, and I was thinking about sending her some hats over.
"So, you never know, watch this space! After all, I've just done some hats for the Sandman on Netflix.
"Next stop - it's you Sylvie!"