Leah C.'s designs combine a sophisticated American point of view with a combination of ingredients and sensual forms inspired by European tradition. This creates distinct and stunning pieces that are an ode to the past, an investment for today, and an heirloom for tomorrow.

During the last two decades, Leah C. Couture Millinery has been creating one of a kind, hand crafted headwear since the late '90s. The driving force behind the brand is Leah Chalfen, who personally designs and produces each piece by hand in her New York City atelier. Her signature feather work can be found in all of the timeless designs, which exude her passion for the craft and demonstrate her years of millinery study.

Seeking to restore the prominence of the headpiece as an American accessory, Leah C. offers variations on the scale of headwear, focusing on three inspired collections ranging from smaller everyday creations to dramatic special occasion pieces. Starling, Plume and Twilight are the collections that offer three ranges of design, price and style.

Never one to conform to trends, Leah's designs are favored by the fashion-industry's top stylists and editors because they transcend era, event and outfit so completely.

Leah C. customers discover how to enhance their look through informative and enjoyable one on one with the designer in the atelier in New York..Through Leah's meticulous curation, the right design becomes apparent based on your occasion and needs. Through Leah's meticulous consultation, the right design becomes apparent from her curation of a select number of pieces based on your occasion and needs. You leave with a sense of confidence and excitement, prepared to experience your occasion looking your best.

Upon graduation from Temple University in Philadelphia, Leah Chalfen's hometown, she voyaged to live and work in Italy and Spain for three years where she absorbed the culture, history and fashion. Upon her return, and an influential visit to the Costume Institute at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Leah began her journey to become a Milliner. She studied at New York City's famed Fashion Institute of Technology while working under master milliner Patricia Underwood. She later trained with the head milliner of the Metropolitan Opera's costume department. Leah established Leah C. Couture Millinery in 2000.

Leah C.'s headpieces have accompanied high fashion and bridal editorials shot by fashion photography legends such as Irving Penn, and today's top talent including Arthur Elgort, Greg Kadel, Karl Lagerfeld, Alexi Lubomirski, and Bruce Weber. See a sampling of Leah's creations in the New & Notable Press Gallery.

For her expertise and authority in the industry, Leah C. has been featured in books such as "Feathers" by Thor Hanson, listed as a top pick for headwear in "Getting Married in New York 2012" by Nadia Digilov, and serves as a contributing author addressing creative process for design in Spain's Articulado Volume 3 "Black on White Book" published in 3 languages.

Leah has been a guest professor of Millinery at New York City's Parson's School of Design.