Niav Riley Millinery label was established in 2003.

After 7 very successful years in the business with many Race Meeting Winners, and a steady flow of returning and new clients, the label Niav Riley has secured a strong position in the designer marketplace.

About Niav

I was raised in an artistic household. My mother was an art teacher and landscape painter, and my father a freelance writer and entrepeneur. Art and craft, combined with business, were very strong influences in my childhood. It was always a foregone conclusion that this would be the path that I would follow.

In 1995 I graduated with an Honours degree in Fashion Design from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. Since then I worked as a children’s wear and women’s wear designer for a few Irish companies. I worked as a women’s wear designer and stylist on photo-shoots for 3 years in Sydney, where I also studied Graphic Design, allowing me to work on brochure and magazine layout.

In 2000 on my return to Dublin, I decided to follow my interest in Graphic Design and worked in Animation for 3 years. During this period I missed the ‘hands on’ enjoyment from Craft work, and I developed an interest in making headpieces for myself and friends.

I attended a variety millinery courses in London , before taking a big Leap of Faith into setting up my own business. It is a decision that I have never regretted.

Who Wears It

My hats and headpieces are worn to weddings all over Ireland. I have had orders online from America and Australia.

I have had many high profile clients over the years such as Maura Derrane (Presenter TV3) Blathnaid O Donoghue (Presenter TG4 and Winner of Best Hat at Galway Races 2005) Andrea Roche (Model and Business woman) Pippa O Connor (Model) Faith Almond (Multi Best Dressed Winner)

Galway Advertiser 2009 quoted Sandra Divilly, owner of the Galway Hat Shop:

“One of the most successful designers currently in stock is Niav Riley, who has had massive success within racing circles. Her hats are special, and something to undoubtedly attract the attention of the judges.

“At the moment the shop is focused on the Races, with the most dramatic hats in stock.

“The thing about the Races for hat lovers is there are no limitations on what you can wear, every colour is acceptable, the more dramatic the better, it is all about mixing a bit of fun with glamour and style. Unlike weddings where people don’t want to stand out, at the Races it is a must, and a chance to go wild”,