Most of us aren't attending a British high society gala anytime soon, but that doesn't mean we can’t have a magnificent decorative headpiece to don at a bridal shower, Kentucky Derby party or brunch. 

Millinery virtuosa Kate McLaughlin of McLaughlin & Hayes Hat Co. will conduct a Bridgerton Fascinator Workshop at the historic Charles Allis Museum, 1801 N. Prospect Ave., on Sunday, Nov. 10. The workshop runs from 1 to 4 p.m. 

“Not only are we creating something beautiful to wear, but we’ll be doing it in a location that celebrates the arts,” says McLaughlin. 

Attendees will choose between four different kits to create a Bridgerton-inspired fascinator ($135) or a flower ($55). McLaughlin is a fan of the Netflix show and closely studied the color theories implemented by the show’s costume designers.

“In the workshop, we'll find out what colors they're attracted to and then make the fascinator that represents that family or character,” says McLaughlin.

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The Bridgerton (bottom, left) is an array of soft blushes, ivory and Wedgewood blue. The Featherington (bottom, right) features hot and bright colors like turquoise, fuchsia and bright yellow. The Lady Danbury (top, right) is constructed from scarlet, black and gold materials, and the Queen Charlotte is myriad shades of gold (top, left.)

“People really see themselves in these characters,” says McLaughlin.

This beginner class requires gluing and some hand sewing. Attendees will learn how to curl feathers with a butter knife and to assemble a silk velvet flower.

“It’s exciting to watch people create something they wouldn’t allow themselves or give themselves the credit to make,” says McLaughlin.

McLaughlin has 35 years of hat-making experience. For a decade, she was the milliner and costume craft supervisor at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. She created hats for the British television series “Peaky Blinders” and her work was on stage during Broadway performances of “War Paint” featuring Patti LuPone. 

McLaughlin currently teaches hat-making at Mount Mary University and the Edessa School of Fashion. She and her husband, John, (along with business partner Steve Hayes) own and operate McLaughlin & Hayes Hat Company in Bay View, one of the few hat shops in the United States that specializes in hatting (men's hats) and millinery (women's hats). 

For this workshop, McLaughlin partnered with M&S Schmalberg in New York City, the last garment flower manufacturer in the country.

“You can be anyone you want to or need to be when you wear a hat,” says McLaughlin. “They say so much about you without even saying a word. They are one of the most wonderful forms of self-expression.”

For more information and to sign up for the class, go here.