The Millinery Shop, Edgar Degas created between 1879 and 1886. It is one in a series of 27 paintings by Degas about millinery.
The 2026 Vintage Fall-Winter Collection is currently being developed right now at the AR Atelier.
We've recently purchased a collection of vintage French silk veils from 1930-1960 from Irene Arroyo, owner of California Millinery Supply, a veteran milliner. These are unique, archival pieces that are no longer produced.
The veils are rare and exquisite. Veils are no longer made of silk. However, these veils spotlight how their lustre and intricate craftsmanship remain the gold standard. It's a visible distinction. You can feel the difference beween modern-day polyester veiling and the supple feel of silk.
These unique veils are being incorporated into our upcoming 2026 Fall & Winter Collection.
Pre World War II
We sat down with a veteran milliner Irene Arroyo from California Millinery Supply and talked about millinery from her decades-long career supplying the best of haute couture designers. Her insights are both detailed and expansive.
"Millinery almost disappeared entirely after WWII. Formal dress for social occassions disappeared overnight. " Ms. Arroyo says. "Before, you wouldn't dare come Downtown without being dressed."
This is a deep understanding of millinery from a professional. And what she has to say about Feminism still rings true.
"It was a throwing off of all decorative devices."
Few people know millinery and its power as well as our vendor.
There is a "millinery resurgence," though. We can see it at special events, awards shows, music videos and on celebrities. Arturo has worked with some of the most prominent celebrities and socialites to prepare them for a grand entrance.
How We Appear
Millinery is not an isolated art form. It conveys more than style. It announces your grace and beauty. Wearing an Arturo Rios hat assures that you can walk into any venue and be the center of attention with grace and elegance.
We've selected the finest silk veils that exist. We're excited about this new collection. It offers bold, new ways to distinguish your personal grace and beauty with confidence. We'll make an announcement to our clients as soon as we finish the details and photo shoot.
We welcome your feedback, ideas and comments. Stay tuned!
Details Matter
There is a little known millinery adornment: millinery berries.
They offer a wonderful focal point and enhance any haute couture ensemble. They shine, playfully. Joyously and distinguish a haute couture hat from others.
Millinery berries are constructed of aged, spun cotton with hollow cores. They are coated in a deep lacquer which offers a dazzling impression.
The chenille velvet dots used on the veils are placed individually, which is a very detailed and delicate process.
We think an educated client (never a "customer") is preferred. Arturo also believes in being generous with his knowkledge as others have been generous with theirs to him.
This article is part of our series that explores and celebrates different aspects of millinery. Arturo Rios has created new techniques, forms and modes of constructing the world's finest hats and he wants to share and open the discussion with you.
We welcome everyone to discover how millinery is expanding, changing and evolving. Let us know your thoughts!
Millinery has a long history. In this series of posts, we delve deeper into the specifics of each type of hat. Pillboxes, fascinator and derby hats are just the beginning. And Arturo wants to assist in your discovery!
Hat-making has it's own vocabulary; definitions, terms, slang. We're here to talk about the components that make great hats.
Arturo has a unique sense of flowers. He also uses his deep understanding of how colors work and how they influence us.