Work is underway on a dual project at Ilariusss. There are collaborations with the most prestigious international fashion brands, from Versace to Vuitton, from Valentino to Max Mara: hats, headbands, and headpieces created to match the outfits they will accompany and in line with the event where they will be worn—whether a runway show or a red carpet, the Met Gala, a royal wedding, or a state funeral.

Then there is the line in which Ilaria Soncini expresses herself fully and channels all the passion that took her from Emilia to study in Milan, to establish herself in Berlin, and then return to open her atelier in Lambrate. This is how sculptural headpieces like Endless are born—two entwined snakes shining as they dance around the head; hats for the theater; or the wide-brimmed cut hats that have become somewhat her signature; and the mask that a young Indian woman commissioned to celebrate her graduation, which required ten days of collaborative work between Ilaria, Gemma, Floriana, and Anaïs. One creates, another sews; someone cuts, someone else embroiders. Everything, from the first to the last stitch, is handmade.

When a future bride knocks on the door, it is always a joy: among all clients, brides are the ones who dare the most. When a commission comes from a brand, it is known that the work will be showcased under a storm of flashes. Milliner? Hatmaker? Artist? Ilaria chooses the English word “milliner”: “At its root, it contains ‘Milaner,’ meaning someone from Milan.” In the end, the hatmaker from Milan. If not her, then who?