Berry learned the craftsmanship of millinery at the London College of Fashion. It was here that she specialized in the classic, traditional techniques of hat making. She came back to The Netherlands and started her own workshop; Berry Rutjes Jr. Hatdesign. Ever since her love for hats and her business have evolved.

From fedora to slouch hat
A hat is cool and classy and is the perfect accessory to emphasize your style. Whether you have a fabulous party, a business meeting or are going shopping. A floppy brim hat, cool fedora or casual bucket hat is the finishing touch to any outfit. Berry Rutjes has been designing and making all sorts of hats in her own studio using traditional methods. Renowned Dutch fashion designers such as Marlies Dekkers and Michael Barnaart van Bergen asked her to design creations for their (couture) shows. Her collaboration with the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum drew crowded halls and customers like politicians know exactly where to find her shop.

Berry has been giving workshops and training in making hats and flower corsages in her studio. Her students are always very enthusiastic: “Berry is very inspiring and passionately shares her knowledge” and “You will see results immediately” are some of the enthusiastic reactions. This made Berry think, “How nice would it be if everyone had the opportunity to learn how to make their own hats, from their own home and at a time that suited them. This is why she has recently developed The Dutch Hat Academy offering a variety of online and live hat making courses.