about the artist... tonya gross of tonya gross millinery is an award-winning bespoke and couture milliner based in chicago, il, usa.
from hedge fund to head wear... in 2006, tonya turned a life-long passion for hats into a head wear design business. tonya creates head wear for clients, the runway and for her seasonal collections using the finest materials. tonya carves her own blocks, creating sculptural head wear, conceptual pieces and more traditional "hatty" hats for special occasions like weddings or Royal Ascot, or a fabulous every day hat to endure cold Chicago winters.
tonya is inspired by the city of Chicago, her friends the "Chicago 7" and the woods in the small town in northern Michigan where she was raised. tonya is adamant about recycling and incorporates elements of nature, traditional millinery materials and recycled objects into her work. each piece is one-of-a-kind; tonya refuses to make the same hat twice. couture for the masses!
at left, "margaux" model: amelia pool, ford chicago photographer: david anthony stylist: mary alice wilson