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In 2007, he made the world's most expensive hat, using diamonds, pearls, rubies, garnets priced at 1 million pounds. At The Ritz-Carlton show on Nov 12, Shilling said China had inspired his work, particularly two hats called "Fireworks" and "Chop Chop". The hats were a fusion of Audrey Hepburn elegance with a penchant for the outlandish, and transformed the models into birds that seemed to have been plucked from some exotic and futuristic flock. "Chop Chop", was instantly recognizable, and featured ruby-studded chopsticks on a black sequined cap. "Fireworks," featured pink, yellow and orange tulle and black spirals emanating down the side. One hat offered a more standard feather and lace design, and this was followed by a creation that featured simple, delicate white flowers blossoming out of a ponytail. Another was a cross between a hat and a wrap, which wound like a snake around the model's neck and head. But most memorable were the meta-hats, the black and white striped hatboxes refashioned to be worn, the second of which could only be described as some sort of hatbox burqa, with slots for the eyes that could be opened and closed. "This is hilarious. I'm going crazy," squealed Elisabeth Koch, a milliner seated in the audience. "I have so many ideas!"