Meet Laurie.
Laurie Berliner, Milliner
I was born and raised in Marin County, California. After a two decade long career as a criminal defense public defender, I refashioned my life to pursue a lifelong love of handmade clothing and hats. After my law career, I studied pattern making and vintage tailoring. On a whim, I attended a weekend hat making workshop and so began my millinery journey!
I learned the basics of millinery at the London College of Fashion under the tutelage of Chloe Scrivener. I next bought my first set of handmade wooden blocks from Guy Morse-Brown hat blocks and the rest is history! What followed was several years of trial and error, numerous craft shows and hours of online and in person specialty courses to hone my skills in all manner of straw and felt hats. I specialize in Milan braided wheat straw hat making on a vintage straw braid machine as well as crafting and dyeing silk flowers.
My designs are informed by my apparel design and tailoring skills, British millinery training, and the San Francisco Bay Area lifestyle.
I truly enjoy collaborating with my customers to create one-of-a-kind headwear that suits their style, the occasion and fits perfectly!
Meet Madge.
Madge, Milliner Assistant
2011 - 2026
The Madge & Me
Personal Touch
Madge & Me headwear is made exclusively in the San Rafael atelier. Our creations are not sold online.
Everyone is welcome at Madge & Me. Come alone or with a friend and loved one. We will introduce you to our offerings, show you the process of hat making and invite you to try on hats. With expert guidance, you will discover the hat that best suits you.
Many of our customers tell us, “hats just don’t look good on me.” In reply we say, “let us find the hat that’s right for you.” We believe there is a hat for every head, whatever the season, for every day and special events. At Madge & Me you are free to explore the many shapes, styles of our ready-to-wear offerings. Come see, touch, try on, have fun! We will of course give you our honest opinion as to the best hat for you and how and where you will be wearing your hat.
Wearing a hat is crucial to protect your skin from cancer, UV damage and premature aging. Our motto is “save your skin with a stylish hat!”
And don’t forget to pack a hat wherever you plan to travel. We offer a selection of stylish, seasonal, packable hats made by the finest manufacturers from around the world. We are constantly getting in new styles so we hope to see you soon.
We accept walk-in and scheduled appointments. You may text, call, or email me for an appointment.
My Name is Laurie Berliner, and I make hats.
This short documentary explores the life and career of Laurie Berliner a Milliner in San Anselmo. Created and Directed by Austin Aviles.
Our Process
Custom orders require a $100, non-refundable deposit. When ordering a one-of-a-kind hat made especially for you, all sales are final, meaning custom hats cannot be returned or exchanged.
Ready-to-wear (off the shelf) hats: Sales of all stock hats are final and cannot be returned. For this reason, we invite you to try the hat on and see how you look in it at all angles both inside and in the natural light in front of the shop. Consider taking a selfie and have the hat set it aside for a day while you consider the purchase. Of course, inspect it thoroughly before you leave the store so that any final touches can be made.
Our Location
The Atelier
Madge & Me Hats retail workshop is located in the vibrant West End of San Rafael, California at 1570 4th Street [please make this text a hot link to Google map]. The shop is located between F Street and Shaver next door to The Kitchen Table Restaurant and Red Hill Pet Center. There is plenty of 2 hour parking on 4th Street and in a nearby lot next to United Liquor, as well as on adjacent perpendicular streets.
Our “atelier” is nestled under a handmade hat trade sign. Walk past the shop window and just you might see a straw hat in progress on a turn-of-the-century Willcox & Gibbs straw braid machine!
Address
1570 4th St
San Rafael, CA, United States
(415) 717-9624
Business Hours
Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 6pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Custom orders require a $100, non-refundable deposit. When ordering a one-of-a-kind hat made especially for you, all sales are final, meaning custom hats cannot be returned or exchanged. Any changes to the original order are required to be made in person and there may incur an additional fee. Madge & Me Hats wants you to love and wear your hat for many years to come, therefore we do not charge for fit adjustments, and minor repairs in the first 30 days after you pick up your hat. Fit adjustments, repairs or cleaning of our hats after 30 days might incur an additional fee.
Ready-to-wear (off the shelf) hats: Sales of all stock hats are final and cannot be returned. For this reason, we invite you to try the hat on and see how you look in it at all angles both inside and in the natural light in front of the shop. Consider taking a selfie and have the hat set it aside for a day while you consider the purchase.