Hats Off to Vivien Knowland
The Putney resident who was milliner to Princess Diana
Princess Diana in hats designed by Vivien Knowland
October 2, 2024
For the past thirty years long time Putney resident Vivien Knowland has practiced as an aromatherapist and reflexologist.
But before then she was one of the UK’s top milliners making hats for among others Princess Diana. Her story has now been told in a self-published book written by her husband retired journalist Hugh Thompson- ”Hats off to Vivien. The story of Viv Knowland Hats.”
He says, ”Not only did she make 20 hats for Diana which involved several meetings over a five year period, where she met the then Prince Charles and the infant William, but she met Margaret Thatcher, starred on Jim Will Fix It and set up a worldwide business.
“With the help of an inspired group of nannies she also brought up Leo and Adelaide and now is the grandmother of five.”
In the beginning ,the story is part of the time when Chelsea’s Kings Road dominated world fashion. Today, as the drive to informality, comfort and convenience continues hats are less and less worn. Baseball caps are it. But Vivien was very much part of a time , 1970-90, when hats were still elegant but becoming more relaxed and simple. Today it’s not unusual to see a posh wedding where no one wears a hat.
Hugh adds, “She got out at the right time. As for the book, full marks to Phil Thorne and his team at Putney Design and Print for putting it so brilliantly together.”
Copies of the book are available for £10 by emailing scribbler2000@yahoo.com.
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