HOUSE OF LONDON
Beginnings
Jennifer Elizabeth Bannister
Founder & Head Designer
Jennifer brings a wealth of diverse experience to her millinery business. Growing up in the peaceful countryside of Berkshire and later in the rugged landscapes of the Peak District in Derbyshire, Jennifer was inspired by nature’s beauty from an early age. A graduate with a First Class Honours degree in Media and Communication from Loughborough University, Jennifer’s creative journey took a pivotal turn when she designed her own hat for her first trip to Royal Ascot—an instant hit that sparked her passion for crafting headpieces.
After graduation, her early career took her to the BBC in London, where she managed talent on iconic TV programmes like EastEnders, and later at Channel 4, working with contestants on Big Brother, refined her ability to work under pressure and understand people’s motivations. Jennifer’s experience in film with Disney/Miramax and live sport with Sky, where she floor-managed rugby broadcasts at Twickenham, further sharpened her skills in managing high expectations and diverse personalities.
A career shift into finance at Morgan Stanley and a prestigious Mayfair hedge fund honed her analytical mindset, where she specialised in understanding human behaviour in business contexts, notably the luxury goods sector. Throughout all these roles, Jennifer’s creativity remained a constant—whether through personal hobbies or honing her design skills. Today, she channels her ability to read trends, anticipate needs, and manage high-pressure situations into creating exquisite millinery, blending her strategic insight with artistic passion to craft works of art that speak to each client.
HOUSE OF LONDON
Environment & Sustainability
At House of London, we believe that the best products come from thoughtful sourcing and a commitment to community. That’s why we prioritize working with local traders across London, including our neighbours at Covent Garden Flower Market, and family-owned businesses throughout the UK. By choosing local suppliers, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also ensure that every piece is made from the finest materials, supporting small businesses and helping create a more sustainable future.
We are proud of the strong relationships we’ve built with our suppliers, ensuring that our sourcing practices benefit the local community while delivering exceptional quality. While we primarily focus on local materials, we do source bridal laces from the finest fashion houses in Barcelona, offering our clients the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Our commitment to sustainability is also reflected in our use of vintage materials—luxurious silks, satins, florals, crystals, and antique embellishments. These unique additions not only reduce waste but also lend a distinctive character to each headpiece, ensuring that every piece you receive is truly one of a kind, crafted with love, care and true attention to detail.
Our Ethos
At House of London, we pride ourselves on providing a bespoke service to a discerning clientele who value meticulous attention to detail. Jennifer, along with her talented team, takes great joy in crafting exquisite, bespoke millinery that reflects individuality and elegance. Each piece is carefully designed to ensure our clients not only look stunning but feel empowered on their special moments.
From fashion-forward individuals to high-profile clients in entertainment and business, our collection resonates with those seeking timeless style with a modern twist. Jennifer’s deep understanding of her clients’ needs allows her to create headpieces that exceed expectations, blending creativity and craftsmanship to offer designs that are both beautiful and personal.
We are passionate about all things creative and welcome any questions you may have. In the meantime, we invite you to explore the House of London collection and find the perfect millinery piece to complement your most memorable occasions.