Laura Del Villaggio

Laura Del Villaggio earned a Certificate in Millinery from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York in 1999 and her millinery business, Milli Starr, was established in Austin, Texas in 2004. Laura has an extensive background in fashion and textiles, from apparel design to textile chemistry and conservation. She has worked as a vintage clothing store manager, fiber arts instructor, collections research associate, theater costume designer and milliner.

As Milli Starr, Laura offers bespoke services, designing one-of-a-kind millinery for special events such as weddings, races and galas. Original hats have been spotted in print publications and on the runway, stage, and screen, and at the Kentucky Derby, Dubai Cup, Royal Ascot, etc.

Laura won 2nd place (2019) and 3rd place (2015) prizes in an international millinery competition hosted by HATalk magazine (UK). Both years, she was the only participating US milliner to be recognized.

Laura is an active member of the Milliners Guild, Inc. and is currently serving as President. She is also a member of the Dutch Hat Association and the Millinery Association of Australia.

Locally, Laura serves on the Fashion Design Department Advisory Committee for Austin Community College and teaches millinery for their Continuing Education program.