You know me, Facebook

Facebook ads targeting me with my own products on Zappos.com! This is fantastic.
http://www.zappos.com/d/emerging-designer-tonya-gross-millinery

Tonya Gross Millinery Emerging Designer Boutique on Zappos.com is now open

I am so thrilled to share:  Zappos.com has opened the Tonya Gross Millinery Emerging Designer Boutique and is now featuring Tonya Gross Millinery hats online.  Thank you to friends and family and Zappos.com!

Shop Tonya Gross Millinery CAPSule Collection for Zappos.com 

Kurt of Heyman Talent Louisville wearing the Damian Cap from the Tonya Gross Millinery CAPSule Collection for Zappos.com at the Original Makers Club and Farmington Foundation's Derby Breakfast, Farmington Historic Plantation, Louisville, KY

millinery, Kentucky Derby, Louisville, Zappos.com, Emerging Designer Program, tonya gross millinery, hats, men, women

the derby...oh, and tonya gross millinery hat collection for zappos.com is now live!

I am thrilled to announce that my hat collection for Zappos.com is now available here! 

In October of 2012, I was selected for the Zappos.com Emerging Designer Program.  It's been a long 6 months of planning and executing my first collection for such a large online retailer.  I made mistakes and learned a lot along the way.  I have created this collection of special event and everyday hats for men and women in a range of price points and colors inspired by my favorite time of year...SUMMER!  My favorite features of the hats from this collection?  Each hat is hand-finished and has an internal sizable millinery grosgrain band to create a unique fit for each Zappos.com customer. 

I am in Louisville, Kentucky writing this post, in between Kentucky Derby-themed events sponsored by Josh Meredith of the Original Makers Club and Garden and Gun at the spectacular Farmington Historic Plantation.  What wonderful hosts!  As a Midwestern girl with a passion for hats and hat making, I feel so welcome here in Louisville.  The hats and I have received such a warm reception and feel so comfortable letting my freak flag fly with my sculptural head wear.  Thank you, Louisville.  Thank you to the buyers and the wonderful employees at Zappos.com.  What an amazing week.  We did it!

Thank You IndieGoGo Campaign Supporters!

I started early in fashion!  That's me on the right, in the turban and sunglasses, with my little brother in front of me.  I still have those little girl dreams and would like to thank the following for supporting my IndieGoGo campaign to fund my first collection for Zappos.com...6 DAYS to GoGo:
C. Ahart
Anonymous
Anonymous
C. Devin
T. Ebersole
J. Hammell
S. Navarro
G. Plooster
K. Richardson
C. Schilder
B. Ward

Thank you!


+millinery
+Indiegogo 
+hats
+Zappos.com 
+Tonya Gross 

How to Wear a Headscarf; World Hijab Day

Friday, 1 February 2013 is the first annual World Hijab Day.  A hijab is the headscarf worn by Muslim women, often a veil that covers the face except for the eyes, customarily worn in order to maintain standards of modesty.  

From BBC News:  "For many people, the hijab is a symbol of oppression and divisiveness. It's a visible target that often bears the brunt of a larger debate about Islam in the West.  World Hijab Day is designed to counteract these controversies. It encourages non-Muslim women (or even Muslim women who do not ordinarily wear one) to don the hijab and experience what it's like to do so, as part of a bid to foster better understanding."  Read more about World Hijab Day on BBC News here.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the hijab and the Muslim women who wear them as well as for me, as head wear designer, to demonstrate a way to wear a beautiful headscarf.  No religion here, just pretty scarves.  There are so many ways to wear headscarves and this is one of my favorites:

- I like to use a large square scarf about 3' x 3'
- fold it into a triangle
- drape the long side of the triangle across your forehead with the tail of the triangle at the back of your head
- grab the two long ends and wrap around your head as many times as necessary and tuck the ends into the layers
- tuck the point of the triangle at the back of your head over the layers to secure (or add a brooch)!
- an alternative finish is to create a rosette, as shown in this image from Dailynewsms.com, low at the neckline.  lovely!

And check out designer, Rabia Z, and her video, for ways to create beautiful, more traditional styles, with the hijab!


+Rabia Z
+Hijab
+Tonya Gross Millinery
+World Hijab Day
+Dailynewsms.com
+hats
+millinery

Tonya Gross Millinery crowd funding campaign 2.0 oh, here we GOGO

Yes, I tried and failed to make my goal to fund my collection for online retailer Zappos.com via crowd funding site Kickstarter.   I had to launch the campaign during the holidays-- bad timing on my part-- but it couldn't be helped.  Kickstarter was an all or nothing platform, so while I did raise funds, I got nothing.  I have initiated a new campaign on Indiegogo and ask again for your support to fund my debut collection for Zappos.com.  The good news:  I did secure a relationship with a shipping vendor that will significantly lower my overhead (and have lowered my goal accordingly) and regardless of whether I make my goal, the funds raised will go to my collection for Zappos.com!

The perks still apply:  Make a contribution starting at the $75 level, you get a hand-finished hat from my Zappos.com collection!  Bespoke head wear offered at the $500 level!

I understand that not everyone wants to or can afford to make a contribution.  I completely understand and I thank you anyway for your kind words of encouragement with a request to please FORWARD this campaign on to others.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  

Tonya Gross Millinery Debut Collection for Zappos.com Campaign on Indiegogo

+Indiegogo
+millinery
+Chicago
+Tonya Gross Millinery
+hats
+manufacturing
+accessories

Model (and unofficial tonya gross millinery brand ambassador) Carol Lee!

Carol Lee, wearing a hat from my Kentucky Derby Collection

One of my goals for 2013 is to feature some of the many talented professionals I have the good fortune of working with as an accessories designer.  This is post #1! 

This image of model Carol Lee became synonymous with my brand in 2012 and no doubt you have seen her in one of my many posts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn as the face of my Kickstarter campaign and in the marketing associated with my new partnership with Zappos.com.  I want to take a moment to introduce you to- and thank- this exceptional woman!  

Carol is a multi-talented editorial and promotional model and  full-time nursing student based in Louisville.  I met Carol on Model Mayhem, and cast her for a shoot and modeling at the opening reception at our 21c Museum Hotel Derby Pop-Up Shop in Louisville.  We had a blast and created these lovely images.  Thank you, Carol!

No doubt you will be seeing more of her soon; Carol was recently crowned Miss Kentucky International and will also be featured in the 139th Kentucky Derby marketing campaign!  

Image of Carol Lee by Andrew Kung Photography

Cannot wait to get back to Louisville for Derby again this year and for the opportunity to work with Carol and the amazing Andrew Kung Photography!   Please stay tuned for more details about my partnerships with other fabulous US-based milliners for our upcoming Kentucky Derby hat road show in March-April-May!

Carol does not work with an agency but can be booked directly by visiting her blog.  Thank you!

+Kentucky Derby 

+Fashion at the Races

+Hats

+Millinery

+Tonya Gross 

+Carol Lee

+Drew Kung

+Model Mayhem 

+Zappos.com 

+21c Museum Hotels 
+Marketing Kickstarter.com 

"It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you."

5 days and $8630 to go on my Kickstarter Project:  "Tonya Gross Millinery Hat Collection for Zappos.com"
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1949121820/tonya-gross-millinery-hat-collection-for-zapposcom

Was thinking of standing in front of the offices of my former employer, Citadel Investment Group, with a sign that reads:

Too much?  Probably, especially if I get arrested!  I never would have imagined asking friends, family and complete strangers to support this project.  I have become ok with this because I absolutely need to meet my goal.

"It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you."  From the film, Million Dollar Baby.  Thankfully, you see that dream too.  Thank you for your support!

+Citadel Investment Group
+Chicago
+Kinzie Industrial Corridor
+Millinery
+Hats
+Tonya Gross Millinery
+Hedge Funds 
+Marketing Kickstarter.com 
+いいね！+1 キックスターター ( Like!+1 KickStarter ) 
+Kickstarter Unofficial Page 

My Hats for Zappos.com Kickstarter Project is LIVE! My Manifesto to the Blogosphere

my project.

My Kickstarter project ends 11 January 2013 and I am asking for your help by supporting the Tonya Gross Millinery Hat Collection for Zappos.com Kickstarter Project here:  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1949121820/tonya-gross-millinery-hat-collection-for-zapposcom

my story.

I am a Chicago-based designer, recently selected by online retailer Zappos.com for its 2013 Emerging Designer Program.  Beginning March 2013, my hat collection will be sold and prominently featured by Zappos.com.  I launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund this collection for Zappos.com, and appealing to the blogosphere to help me draw attention to this new partnership with Zappos.com and my Kickstarter project.

my goal.

This is a dream I have worked towards since leaving Chicago-based hedge fund, Citadel Investment Group.  Yes, from hedge fund to head wear! 

Regina Taylor, Chicago Magazine's 2012 Chicagoan of the Year, wearing Tonya Gross Millinery hat

"The opportunity to present my line of hats to such an esteemed buying team, and for my product to be seen by millions of Zappos.com’s customers, is a boon for my hat business and welcomed attention for the US hat industry. This is a unique venture in that I will produce handmade, ready-to-wear hats for a large volume online retailer that are locally produced and plan to hire a talented pool of pattern makers, stitchers, and design assistants drawn from the Chicago fashion industry; I am really proud of this.  But, I need your help to produce this collection and have launched a Kickstarter project to help fund this collection for Zappos.com."

new training programs and jobs with a manufacturing start-up in Chicago.

I believe this is significant to the Chicago fashion community for a number of reasons:  

• By producing this collection for Zappos.com, I am essentially productionizing couture and ready-to-wear head wear that will be made exclusively in Chicago.
• My hope is to carry on the tradition of millinery in Chicago, much like BesBen, Raymond Hudd and Mr John before me, employ talented individuals drawn from the Chicago fashion industry, train them in traditional millinery methods, and produce locally.  
• This is about a large online retailer taking a chance on a small business, rather than importing from a business that mass-produces outside of the US, and also bringing quality couture and ready-to-wear head wear en masse, online.  
• And, yes, absolutely thrilled for the opportunities this affords me and my business with this distinction (and the US head wear industry!) as a Zappos.com Emerging Designer.   

The press release for my new partnership with Zappos.com on PRWeb:  http://www.prweb.com/releases/tonyagrosszapposdesigner/2013/prweb10196363.htm

THANK YOU!

+PRWeb

+Zappos.com  

+Marketing Kickstarter.com 

+Chicago Tribune 

+NBCChicago 

+Fashion Group international 

+CFDA 

+Citadel Investment Group

+Chicago

+hats

+Tonya Gross Millinery

+millinery

+manufacturing

+accessories

+Kinzie Industrial Corridor

+Near West Side Chicago
+Chicago magazine 
+Chicago Mayor's Office 

Insight :: Chicago Creation: Kentucky Derby Hats From Tonya Gross Millinery :: Michigan Avenue Magazine

A profile of my business and my Kentucky Derby hat collection from earlier this year posted to Michigan Avenue Magazine: Insight :: Chicago Creation: Kentucky Derby Hats From Tonya Gross Millinery :: Michigan Avenue Magazine

Happy Holidays!

Chicago Hat Maker Kickstarter Project to Produce Collection for Zappo...

I have launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund my first collection for Zappos.com and the 2013 Zappos.com Emerging Designer Program!  My Kickstarter project ends on 11 January 2013.  Can you help?  Please visit my project site and/or sharing this link?  
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1949121820/tonya-gross-millinery-hat-collection-for-zapposcom
THANK YOU!

you are cordially invited to a tgm hat trunk show on friday, 21 dec 2012

Chicago Clothing & Accessories Designers

BB & Ida, Margaret Buckman, Sevigne Atelier and Tonya Gross Millinery present

A Trunk Show and Runway Event

at the Annual Holiday Tea at Palm Court, The Drake Hotel Chicago

Friday, 21 December, 2012, 12-5pm

Headwear by Sevigne Atelier and Tonya Gross Millinery, fine jewelry by Margaret Buckman and hand-made clothing by BB & Ida will be showcased during the Holiday Tea at 12:45pm, 2:30pm, and 4:15pm.

The designer trunk show will take place throughout the tea in the Drake Room and is free of charge.

Reservations for the Holiday Tea can be booked through Shaun Rajah of Palm Court Special Events at shaun.rajah@hilton.com and on Open Table for $38 per person.

hats by tonya gross millinery; make-up by Hayley Kassel and Heather Fredrickson; models Cullen, Vaughn, Sriram, and Laura. photo by Karen Sheng.	Cindy Kalnow of Sevigne Atelier with Katie, Agency Galatea. photo by Kirsten Miccoli.

for more information about the Holiday Tea at the Drake, please contact:

shaun.rajah@hilton.com

for more information about the designers, please visit our websites:

Fine jewelry by Margaret Buckman, http://www.margaretbuckman.com

Hand made clothing by BB & Ida, http://bbandida.com

Couture millinery by Sevigne Atelier, http://sevigneatelier.com

Couture headwear by Tonya Gross Millinery, http://tonyagrossmillinery.com

TONYA GROSS MILLINERY Runway at the Mad Hatter Tea Party at the Drake Hotel Chicago

TONYA GROSS MILLINERY at the Mad Hatter Tea Party and Trunk Show at the Drake Hotel Chicago

19 Oct 2012, Chicago, IL- tonya gross millinery will present her fall and special event collection at the Drake Hotel Chicago at the Annual Mad Hatter Tea Party on Sunday, 28 October.

hats by tonya gross millinery and joy scott millinery. 
photo by beenish razavi.

"The Palm Court invites you to play a part in The Mad Hatter Tea Party. Share a cup of tea and conversation as you relax with family and friends at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. It's a time to catch up on the day's events, or plan your next day's outing as you enjoy a cup of tea and one of our delicious sandwiches or home made desserts.

Ladies are encouraged to wear their best summer bonnets, and prizes will be awarded for the most creative and original hats worn. The Red Queen and White Queen will be there to help with all of the festivities. The Cheshire cat will wear a grin, the Mad Hatter will serve tea, and the White Rabbit will be late...

Exclusive Tea Event features:

Informal Hat Fashion Showcase by Joy Scott Millinery, tonya gross millinery and Sevigne Atelier.

Tickets for this event are $36 each and reservations are required.

Contact Shaun at 312-932-4619/ shaun.rajah@hilton.com for more information or to secure a reservation."

Invitation on Facebook

The MILLINERY TRUNK SHOW follows the event and will take place in the Drake Room from 5-7pm. Admission to the trunk show is FREE.

SHOP tonya gross millinery

Upcoming Events- Fashion Focus Chicago 2012

tonya gross millinery will be participating in several trunk shows, runway events and other shenanigans for chicago's fashion focus this october.  stay tuned.

tonya gross millinery exhibits at the Goodman Theatre 18-20 July 2012

7 July 2012- tonya gross millinery has been selected to exhibit her s/s 2012 collection at the Goodman Theatre on 18-20 July 2012.

tonya gross millinery is exhibiting in conjunction with the Goodman's production of CROWNS, a musical created and directed by award-winning actress and playwright, Regina Taylor.

Tonya says, "I am absolutely thrilled and thankful to the Goodman and Ms. Taylor.  They have gone out of their way to welcome Chicago milliners into the CROWNS family.  We all share a love of hats and the characters truly embrace the evocative, empowering and transformative nature of head wear.  This has been such a great experience and I cannot wait for opening night!"

The Goodman Theatre describes the production as a "jubilant musical [that] traces the roots of Gospel through contemporary hip hop, fusing rich storytelling with abundant “hattitude” into a stirring coming-of-age tale. Crowns is a not-to-be-missed celebration of song, dance, cultural history—and glamorous headwear."

The Goodman Theatre's production of CROWNS runs 30 June through 5 August.  tonya gross millinery will be exhibiting before and after each performance of CROWNS on 18-20 July 2012.

For more information, please visit the Goodman Theatre.

Regina Taylor in tonya gross millinery.

tonya gross millinery at mercedes benz fashion week

tonya gross millinery has collaborated on head wear for the Pamella Roland Spring/Summer 2012 collection to be presented at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City.

The presentation will take place at the Lincoln Center Box on Monday, 12 September 2011 at 1:30pm.

The collection will be photographed by Nigel Barker.

http://www.pamellaroland.com

http://tonyagrossmillinery.com

tonya gross millinery and the RHONJ

Just watched my hats on the ladies of the Real Housewives of New Jersey.  The "True Love, True Lies" episode was shot in part when the cast and crew were in Chicago shooting last summer for the civil ceremony of Caroline Manzo's brother Jaime and his partner Rich here. I was contacted to provide hats for the cast.  Seeing my hats on national television was completely surreal.  Everyone looked gorgeous.  Caroline Manzo's speech at the ceremony was lovely; so happy to hear others supporting the right for anyone and everyone to marry the person they love.  It is a really nice close-up of one of my hats too!

Caroline Manzo in tonya gross millinery

the kentucky derby hat pop-up show with 21c and flo gallery-- louisville!

The battle for the perfect Derby hat has begun! Meet the milliners at a Champagne Reception on Saturday 4.28 from 3-5pm and score your custom, one-of-a-kind Derby headwear. The 21c Pop Up will be open for shopping SAT 4.28.12 thru FRI 5.4.12 from 11am-5pm daily.
http://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/louisville/visit/news/2012/21c-pop-up/

Kentucky Derby hat events: Fit for a Queen with Flo Gallery

138th Kentucky Derby- 2012 Events

It's hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by.

We are locking in the dates and preparing beautiful head wear to bring with us to Louisville for the 138th Kentucky Derby! We will be partnering again with Flo Gallery and the 21c Museum Hotel for pop-up shops in April and May. Stay tuned!