About NC Millinery & Nessa Cronin
Handmade Bespoke Headwear | Crafted with Passion, Designed for You
About NC Millinery
At NC Millinery, every piece we create begins with a love of craft, beauty and meaningful connection.
For Nessa, millinery wasn’t just a profession—it was destiny. Her journey began in 1996 with a part-time job in a Dublin hat shop, and from the very first moment she touched silk and sinamay, she was captivated by the magic of millinery and the joy it brings to those who wear it.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
After graduating from her early days in retail, Nessa opened her own boutique, Mad Hatter, in Dublin in 2001—setting the stage for a flourishing career rooted in thoughtful design and exceptional customer service. Over the years, her handcrafted hats and headpieces became beloved by clients across Ireland, winning acclaim at race meetings and celebrations alike.
During this time, she also had the honour of designing and making headpieces for Richard Lewis’ fashion shows, further establishing her reputation for refined craftsmanship and creative vision.
Millinery has always been her true passion—nothing completes an outfit for a special occasion quite like a beautifully crafted hat. In a particularly memorable moment in 2014, when President Higgins and his wife Sabina visited the Queen, Sabina chose six of the eight hats she wore from Nessa’s collection at Mad Hatter. It was a thrilling recognition of her craft, a testament to the elegance, precision, and individuality that define every piece she creates.
Seeing customers light up with confidence in their perfect piece became defining moments, but it was always the human connection that mattered most: helping someone feel truly themselves, beautifully and confidently.
Evolving With Grace
Like many creative journeys, Nessa’s path had its challenges. The 2008 recession brought dramatic change, followed more recently by global upheaval in 2020. Through it all, her commitment to millinery never wavered. After a period exploring fashion retail and teaching, she returned to her first love—handcrafting beautiful headpieces and sharing her expertise with others.
Today, NC Millinery is a place where craftsmanship and heart meet—where bespoke headwear elevates an occasion and where creativity is shared with students and clients alike. Whether you’re here to find your perfect piece or to learn the art of millinery yourself, you’re welcomed with warmth and expertise.
What We Do
Handmade Bespoke Headpieces: Each design is individually crafted to reflect your style and the spirit of your occasion.
Colour-Matching & Personal Appointments: From hue selection to final fitting, every detail is tailored to you.
Millinery Courses & Workshops: Explore the joy of making your own hats in our classes, designed for all levels.