Paris: Hatmaking Workshop with Lady Gaga’s Designer

Summary

Paris hat workshop create your own designer piece with expert

You’ll step into a real Parisian atelier and shape your own hat from scratch with guidance from Lady Gaga’s milliner. Pick your favorite material and color, work hands-on with traditional tools, then decorate your creation from hundreds of unique accessories. Enjoy coffee or tea as you chat with locals and leave not just with a hat but a story you’ll want to tell.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit I signed up for the Paris hatmaking workshop mostly out of curiosity — and maybe because I’d heard Lady Gaga wore hats from this very place. Walking into the MiniMeParis studio, it smelled faintly of steamed wool and strong coffee. Our guide, Benoît, had that easy French charm and a way of making even my clumsy questions about felt seem perfectly normal. There were rows of wooden blocks stacked on shelves, each one promising a different shape — fedoras, canotiers, even those big floppy ones you see in old movies.

Choosing the material was harder than I expected. There were piles of merinos wool felt and rabbit felt in colors I didn’t know existed (I went for a weird mustard yellow — still not sure why). The process was hands-on from the start; we stretched and pinned the felt over these heavy wooden molds while Benoît showed us how to use steam to soften everything up. At one point he laughed when I tried to pronounce “capeline” — apparently my accent is tragic. The whole room was full of little sounds: hissing steam, people chatting in French and English, someone’s phone buzzing quietly in a corner.

The best part was decorating — honestly, there are so many accessories it gets overwhelming. Scarves, chains, embroidered patches… I spent ages just running my fingers through trays of buttons before finally picking a blue ribbon with tiny silver charms. My hands smelled like warm wool and metal by the end. We drank tea while waiting for our hats to “bake” in this old oven (yes, really), swapping stories about Paris neighborhoods with Benoît and his team. They sent us off with a list of their favorite local spots — I still have it tucked in my bag somewhere.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Create a unique hat with expert guidance

• Choose material for your hat
• Define wood block shape
• Learn traditional hatmaking process
• Bake hat in oven
• Decorate your hat with accessories

Top questions

How long does the Paris hatmaking workshop last?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several hours for choosing materials, shaping, decorating, and baking your hat.

Is the workshop accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can ride in prams or strollers.

Do I need any experience to join this Paris hatmaking class?

No experience is needed; it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and beginners are welcome.

What materials can I choose for my hat?

You can pick from standard merinos wool felt or straw as part of your booking; premium options may be available at extra cost.

Are drinks or snacks included during the workshop?

Bottled water plus coffee or tea are included for participants during the session.

Can children participate in the hatmaking workshop?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the activity.

Where is the MiniMeParis atelier located?

The exact address isn’t listed here but it’s in Paris; public transportation is nearby for easy access.

What’s included

Your day includes all materials to make your own hat (standard merinos wool felt or straw), plenty of decorative accessories worth €10 to personalize it however you like, plus bottled water and fresh coffee or tea served right there in the atelier before you leave with your finished piece.