Vivien Sheriff: The Crown Jewel of British Fashion
Brendan Cannon
The Art of Modern Elegance and Millinery Shaped by Vivien Sheriff
Fashion has always been about making an entrance. Sometimes elegance comes in the form of a perfectly tailored coat or an unforgettable dress; other times, a striking hat designed by Vivien Sheriff commands attention before anyone speaks a single word. A hat can be more than the finishing touch, it can become the defining element of a look, expressing personality, confidence, and individuality.
Vivien Sheriff has redefined what luxury millinery can mean for the modern woman. While fashion often moves toward the next trend, Sheriff focuses on the opposite approach: slowing down, and crafting pieces that people treasure for years rather than seasons. From her Wiltshire studio, consequently, her sculptural designs have become synonymous with British millinery, as they appear at Royal Ascot, society weddings, race meetings, and formal occasions around the world.
From Vintage Roots to Modern Craftsmanship
Long before Vivien Sheriff became synonymous with luxury millinery, she was immersed in the world of antique textiles. While traveling extensively, she sourced rare vintage fabrics from around the globe, thus developing an appreciation for texture, craftsmanship, and the stories hidden within every weave and stitch.
That fascination became the foundation of her design philosophy.
Rather than allowing beautiful materials and traditional techniques to disappear into history, she imagined a new future for them, one where heritage craftsmanship could live alongside contemporary fashion. The result established a brand that prioritizes individuality, artistry, and exceptional quality.
Today, every creation starts inside the brand’s studio, far from the rush of fast fashion. The studio lets each design grow step by step, from the first sketch to the final piece. Sheriff has brought together a team of artisans with expertise spanning fashion, textiles, couture, and embellishment, creating an environment where traditional techniques and contemporary design meet.
Signature Collections and Sculptural Artistry
The studio uses fine silk, soft feathers, and special fabrics to make unique pieces. These items blend fashion with art. Some styles feel soft and simple, while others take bold new shapes. Yet, every single piece keeps a special touch of grace.
The house is famous for sculptural designs like Showjumper, Equestrian, and Arabesque. These pieces explore structure and movement, alongside favorites like Coco and Angelou. Furthermore, lighter straw styles bring the same care to garden parties and summer weddings. Ultimately, every item is designed with versatility in mind, allowing a Vivien Sheriff piece to move effortlessly between occasions.
A Vivien Sheriff Hat: A Personal Extension of Identity
From the grandstands of Royal Ascot to an intimate countryside wedding, Vivien Sheriff hats are made for life’s most memorable moments. They fit effortlessly into any international derby or special celebration. Yet the significance of the brand extends beyond prestigious settings or notable clients. At its heart is a simple idea: a hat should feel personal. It becomes a true extension of the woman wearing it, rather than just a basic accessory.
That philosophy remains at the core of the work. True luxury comes from time, patience, and expert skill rather than excess. Today, people want to move away from disposable wardrobes. Because of this, the brand’s focus on heritage and individuality feels more relevant than ever. Sheriff never needed to chase this movement; these core principles have guided her from day one. Sheriff has never needed to follow that movement; these principles have been present in her work from the beginning.
The Timeless Elegance of a Vivien Sheriff Design
Every design balances history with a distinctly contemporary sensibility, whether through a dramatic sculptural silhouette or a more understated straw form. The result is millinery that feels less like an accessory and more like a true expression of identity. Moreover, in a world where trends come and go instantly, a memorable fashion statement is one that remains with you. Consequently, it becomes the detail everyone remembers long after you have left the room.
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Cannon is our Editor-At-Large since August 2016. He grew up in New York City and was influenced at an early age by rock and fashion. He is an award-winning celebrity stylist, fashion editor and creative director who has styled many of his favorite musicians including Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Jimmy Page and Shirley Manson. His wit, charisma, and style have made him a trusted and sought-after stylist by Hollywood legends such as Liza Minnelli, Willem Dafoe, Dennis Hopper, and Glenn Close.
Cannon has also worked with some of today's hottest celebrities, including Diane Kruger, Angelina Jolie, Matt Damon, Penn Badgley and Kellan Lutz. He was the first stylist to get Barbra Walters into a pair of jeans for a photo shoot, and had the opportunity to dress Michael Jackson as the KING OF POP for MTV. In addition, Cannon also founded PLUMA- a luxury costume jewelry collection made exclusively in Italy that was recently featured on the cover of Italian Vogue. As a result of working with great musicians and celebrities, Cannon has contributed to multiple publications including: Rolling Stone, Vogue, Time, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair and W. He has styled large casts for every network including: Lost, Sopranos, The View, Project Runway, Kelly, The Today Show, Top Chef, and The Office. Cannon's expertise in fashion also has lent itself to him being in front of the camera as a style expert, with television appearances on E!, Style, VH1, CBS, NBC, ABC, TLC, and Bravo. Cannon has been an on-air spokesperson for TJ Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory, Chapstick, Pantene, Dove, and Peanuts/Snoopy Worldwide. He has also been profiled in American, German and Japanese publications. In addition, Cannon was instrumental in organizing an inaugural panel discussing fashion and film for MEIFF in which he also served as a participant alongside Jason Wu and Kathryn Neale Shaffer, contributing editor at American Vogue.
Whether it's obtaining real museum pieces for a Discovery Channel commercial or recreating 50 unique culturally observant costumes for the worldwide launch of the National Geographic Channel, Cannon's respect for authenticity and his gift of problem solving has left lasting impressions on everyone he has worked with. Additional commercial work also includes Saks Fifth Avenue, Target, Sony Music, RCA, Bravo Network, Sprint, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus.
Cannon has styled fashion shows for Jason Wu and the Life Ball in Vienna, Austria, starring THE BLONDS, which is the largest AIDS benefit runway show in the world, that year hosted by President Bill Clinton and Eva Longoria. Other fashion shows include Snoopy in Fashion, Joanna Mastrioni to name a few. He has also styled shows for Safilo and their licensed brands, which include Gucci, Christian Dior, Emporio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Dior Homme, Max Mara, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger.
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