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Milliner Ann deVuono lets her wild mind fly when she takes on a new commission — her works run the gamut so that the Queen Mum or Grace Jones would be equally satisfied.

A former ballerina, deVuono's sense of drama and beauty seeps into all she touches, whether it's a cathedral veil adorned with silk roses or a stainless steel pillbox with copper roses. Custom hats and veils take about two months and range from about $150 to $900 — a steal when you take into consideration that she's won the attention of the national fashion press and the art community.

About half of her business is with small boutiques around the country, but she's got a soft spot for working with brides. "Usually it's the mother and the daughter. It's both of their weddings. It's both of their fantasies."

TIP: For bulk orders — say, the same bridesmaids' headpieces or silk lapel flower for groomsmen — deVuono will grant a discount.

By Vanessa McGrady
Special to NWsource