John Shevlin is a second generation hat maker. He learned his trade from his late father who had a hat factory in the 1960s. He is also self taught, honing his skills and experimenting with texture and shape when he went out on his own. Back in the 1980s he supplied numerous shops including Arnotts. Now hats are fashionable and his business has come full circle. His work once more adorns mannequins in Arnotts department store. “When someone puts on a hat they turn heads,” states John. “In this economic climate they allow you to accessorise clothes you already own in a new way.” He remains the only blocked felt and straw hat manufacturer in Ireland, the only maker of real Panama hats for ladies and gents and in addition to his fashion work, has created designs for the stage; for the Abbey and Gate theatres. The low-key designer has a celebrity following that includes former Riverdance star and jewellery designer Jean Butler who has had several of his made to measure pieces; stylist and Off The Rails presenter Sonya Lennon who likes to rock a leopard print trilby and musician Bobby Womack who was spotted on Jools Holland’s TV programme wearing a peaked Shevlin creation when collaborating with Gorillaz. Shevlin Millinery design make ladies and gents hats in various felts and straws for the home and the export market. John Shevlin followed on in the tradition started by his late father in 1960. The Shevlin brand is represented in Cow's lane Designer Studio, Essex Street West, Temple Bar and in Arnotts Department store.