ABOUT Leah C.  

Leah Chalfen  Founder and designer

Hat designer and plumassier extraordinaire Leah Chalfen is a pioneering designer who is famous for her artistry in headwear in the high fashion industry.  After bringing that same attention to detail to the high-end world of interiors with specialty products followed by representing some of the world’s most incredible furniture brands, now opens DA LEAH, in Ragusa Sicily! This is a vacation flat that has a curated interior design created to show off its stunning architecture and surroundings for your relaxation and enjoyment during a Sicilian vacation. The art on the walls highlights Leah’s couture Millinery creations in the world’s High Fashion Press including Vogue Italia, Vogue US, AmEx Departures, German, Japanese, China Vogue magazines, etc.

After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Italian, Spanish and Humanistic studies from Temple University, she studied millinery at New York City’s famed Fashion Institute of Technology, completed a self study in Paris followed by a graduate study under master milliner Patricia Underwood. In addition, Leah also trained with the head milliner of the Metropolitan Opera’s costume department prior to opening her business, Leah C. Couture Millinery.  The famous industry giant, Tim Gunn of Project Runway, invited Leah to teach millinery at the famed Parson’s School of Design in New York City where she did so for several years.  

For 18 years Leah C. creations have been sought after by the world’s top talent in the high fashion Industry. From International VOGUE magazines to the prestigious HARPER'S BAZAAR, Leah C. head-wear has been shot by photographers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Ellen von Unwerth, Solve Sundsbo, Steven Meisel, Bruce Weber and the legendary Irving Penn. Fashion editors such as Patti Wilson, Brana Wolf, Anne Christensen, Lori Goldstien, Christiane Arp and Alistar McKimm amongst many other incredible talents, incorporated Leah C. creations in culture making editorial layouts.   She established Leah C. Couture Millinery in 2000 and continues to live and work in the big apple.