Milliner Directory – Find a Milliner who can Make you a Hat

I enrolled at Kangan Institute, Richmond, Vic in 2013 where I studied for 3 years learning all types of Millinery Techniques from some of the best Milliners around. I completed my Cert II, Cert III and Cert IV in Millinery and graduated in 2015

Prior to starting my journey in Millinery, I was involved in Calisthenics for over 25 years with designing costumes and headwear. I was self-taught and wanted to learn professionally.

2) Years of Experience

Since graduation in 2015, I have been a professional Milliner for 3 years.

3) Millinery Style

I pride myself on bespoke and sophisticated headwear. I specialise in creating custom-made hats and headwear for all occasions, I have a particular interest in the racing carnivals around Australia and Internationally, also bridal wear, mother of the bride, wire work and beading to name a few.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I always like to keep up with the trend, but also enjoy being individual!

Boaters are always a favourite, also Bretons/Halo’s, and Beret’s. I enjoy going out the box and try different styles and shapes. I enjoy working with pressed metal and metallic flowers incorporating these into headbands and on hats.

Qualified Milliner and Fashion Designer:

• Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design (completed in 2000 at Metropolitan Institute)
• Multiple Intensive Millinery courses with Master Milliner Waltraud Riener who has become my mentor
• Multiple Intensive Millinery online courses with Elaine Mergard
• Other Intensive 1 day Millinery courses with Rebecca Share, Loraine Gill, Brenda Willson and Patty Carter

2) Years of Experience

Started creating Millinery in 2005 –  13 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

Creating for my brand Crazy Teapot there is signature feminine aesthetic to my millinery style with an eclectic mix of modern/ innovative designs and nods to vintage eras of the past.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I love working with a range of materials, some of my favourites for Spring are sinnamay, straws, braids, textiles such as silks, laces and leathers for flowers and trims. I am always on the lookout for new materials and technology to work with and experiment with such as vegan textiles like @Pinatex, thermos plastics like EVA foam and even 3D printing.

My training has included studying with some of the best milliners in Australia and the world. As I’m based in Melbourne I have been lucky enough to complete a large number of courses with milliners like Rebecca Share, Liza Stedman, Jill Humphries and Louise MacDonald. In addition I have also been able to study with milliners such as Eugenie Van Oirschott and Carole Maher. This ensures I am able to keep up with both contemporary and traditional techniques to create modern and elegant millinery.

2) Years of Experience

Hatricks By Michelle has been slowly growing as a millinery label over the past five years, but I have been making my own hats for some time before that.

3) Millinery Style

Hatricks By Michelle specialises in dramatic and sculptural headpieces. Hatricks is recognised by its elegant and architectural lines and a sense of movement and fluidity in its silhouette.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Hatricks By Michelle is most recognised for working with crinoline and braid, however I often find myself working with almost all millinery materials including sinamay, parasisal and leather and a variety of other traditional and modern materials.

MSIT Level 3 Millinery Course, Sessions under Rebecca Share, Ex Royal London milliner Ian Bennet, Two international millinery conventions and a London Hat week.

2) Years of Experience

Started creating Millinery in 2010 –  8 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

Large brims, Dior & D&G inspired shapes, fashion forward but always elegant, seamlessly styled to compliment the whole outfit.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Large brims, 3D pieces & full service styling.

Master classes and tutor workshops with many Australian and overseas milliners including Ian Bennett, Rebecca Share, Edwina Ibbotson, Louise Macdonald, Awon Golding, Bridgette Bailey, Neil Grigg, Carol Maher, Biliana Borissova, Emma Yeo, Lauren Martin, Rose Hudson, Brett Morely and others I can’t remember!! Cert 4 at TAFE.

2) Years of Experience

Over 20 years.

3) Millinery Style

I’m drawn to the more feminine style and adore florals so that is reflected in the pieces I make. A lot of my work has a quirkiness about it and that makes me happy. Always up for a millinery challenge. My aim is to make easy to wear, fun headpieces.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I really don’t keep to any one style and push to challenge myself to keep the various skills that I’ve learnt alive so I use lots of different styles, techniques and materials. One of my favourite things to do is make hand made silk flowers. I’m also a believer in making trans-seasonal pieces, ladies should be able to wear a good piece many times during all of the different seasons.

Lauren completed a Bachelor of Applied Science of Fashion Design at RMIT and Certificate II, III & IV in Millinery at Kangan Batman Institute under Paris Kyne, Melissa Jackson and Serena Lindeman. From 2011 until 2017, she worked for well-respected Melbourne Milliner Louise Macdonald. In 2018, she spent time in London working for Jane Taylor London and Edwina Ibbotson Millinery.

2) Years of Experience

The first millinery class Lauren undertook was with Elizabeth Hemsley in 2010 and she has been creating pieces ever since.

3) Millinery Style

Millinery by Lauren J Ritchie has a nod to a stylish historical influence in a high quality finish.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Lauren J Ritchie specialises in blocked shapes with sculptural and floating trims.

• 2012 – Certificate II in Millinery at the Gordon Institute of TAFE, taught by Rebecca Share
• 2013 – Hats off to Brisbane Millinery Convention (full week of classes)
• 2014 – International Millinery Forum Wagga Wagga (full week of classes)
• 2015 – Hats off to Brisbane Millinery Convention (full week of classes)
• 2016 – International Millinery Forum Wagga Wagga (full week of classes)
• 2017 – Hats off to Adelaide Millinery Convention (full week of classes)
• As well as other various classes

2) Years of Experience

Technically nearly 7 years (since 2011), but my Mum (Victoria Henderson) has been making headpieces for over 20 years and I was taught by her from a young age.

3) Millinery Style

I would describe my style as vintage with a modern twist. I love flowers and they are seen in many of my pieces. I love the elegance of a simple, well crafted headpiece.

I attended Waltraud Reiner’s Winter School in Rockhampton 2016. Impressed by my hand stitching, Waltraud invited me to Melbourne. I worked in a studio with Waltraud Reiner, Katrin (of Chaperon Hats), and Tamami from Japan for almost two months. Together we created an incredible collection of hats, “Talking Hats” where we explored the process of making these hats through metaphors. I spent almost 2 months in Waltraud’s studio where I learnt an incredible amount of skills. Since then I have attended Waltraud’s Summer School and Winter School every year where I have become a part of a very special family.

2) Years of Experience

Started creating Millinery in 2016 –  2 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

I would describe myself as a minimalist in design. I’m not one to ‘decorate’. I would rather show off technique. For example, the hard work that goes into blocking a shape to make all of those edges smooooth, and say, the passion of sculpting a beautiful curve. Playing with ‘line’ makes my mind dance.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I tend to go through phases of playing and experimenting with certain materials at a time. In Spring 2017 I was obsessed with Jin-Sin, this Spring I’m all about Parasisal Straw! Continued learning and having a wide range of skills to work with many materials is the goal!

Formal training with Rebecca Share, Jane Stoddart, Peter Jago, Serena Lindemann, Carole Maher, Rose Hudson, Elaine Mergard, Amanda Macor. Plus five years with Hat Academy.

2) Years of Experience

Started creating Millinery in 2013 – 5 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

My millinery style is mostly understated elegance but I also love to do large artistic pieces as well.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I specialise in hand blocked perchers, winged pieces, boater hats and the use of alternative materials.

• 3 Year Millinery Apprenticeship with Elizabeth R in Brisbane
• Correspondence millinery, Sydney
• Online courses with the Hat Academy

2) Years of Experience

• 35 years
• Established Karen Bailey Millinery in Brisbane QLD in 1988
• Opened Karen Bailey Millinery retail store in Brisbane
• Established online store 2013

3) Millinery Style

Karen’s hand crafted millinery is classically elegant with a contemporary edge. She is influenced by national and international fashion trends, coordinating the style and feel of the season into her collections.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Using traditional millinery techniques, Karen creates ready to wear and bespoke headpieces for every occasion. Beautiful fabrics are a major influence on Karen’s millinery. When creating a headpiece, the texture, colour and feel of the fabric often dictate the final design. Quality workmanship and attention to detail are features of her work.

Since starting on my millinery journey I have attended many workshops with various master milliners to fine tune my skills as well as completed many online classes via The Hat Academy. Some of my teachers have been Elaine Mergard, Waltraud Reiner, Rebecca Share, Jane Stoddart, Catherine Kelly, Ian Bennett, Peter Jago and Phillip Rhodes.

2) Years of Experience

My first millinery workshop was in 2012 with Elaine Mergard and I’ve been making and loving hats ever since.

3) Millinery Style

I like to vary the look and feel of all my pieces, but they generally all feature a vintage feel with a modern spin, whether it be a trim or a the shape of the hat that receives the contemporary stamp.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I work with a variety of materials, lace, leather, felt, silk, feathers and straw, but I do particularly like sinamay. It’s an amazing material when used well, it’s very versatile and I enjoy using it for both blocking as well as trims for my hats.

BA in Fashion and Textile Design

Millinery training with Fiona Dixon Milliner

Hat Academy online courses

Sugar Flowers and cake decorating (which sounds crazy but is hugely beneficial in flower making!)

2) Years of Experience

Started creating Millinery in 2013 –  5 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

Rosey and Jenelle enjoy different textures, fabrics and techniques that allow us to create bespoke and innovative headwear. It is important to us that we are malleable and draw inspiration from current trends and clients personal style. We favour clean, refined and modern silhouettes.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Leather flowers, silk abaca sculpture, embroidery and beading.

Trained and accredited at Kangan Batman Safe – Richmond in Millinery (cert 2&3 Headwear/Millinery 2008 &2009). 3 Year Apprenticeship and full accreditation in Floristry – Majorie Milner (cert 2,3 and DIP 2006-2009). Multiple refresher courses and online courses to learn and trial new materials and ongoing trends.

2) Years of Experience

10 years of experience in Millinery – 3 Years of Launching my own brand and practising Millinery under my own name. 12 Years floral experience – which I believe goes hand in hand with millinery and keeps my skills and hands nimble. It also allows me to always remain creative and inspired being constantly in a creative environment.

3) Millinery Style

I am a black and white girl through and through. I love using luxe fabrics such as leather, vintage handwoven straws, freshwater pearls, veiling and more. I find inspiration in the natural world around me such as the flowering camellia bushes and the budding, blossoming trees in the springtime. Monochromatic palettes sing to me with this year also being influenced by French Provincial Stylings and old world screen sirens such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

A Milliner at heart who puts time and effort into each work of art. Every stitch is hand sewn, every petal is hand cut and shaped. I honour the Millinery art form whilst creating modern and striking designs for the fashion elite.

Studied for a year at the Melbourne Fashion Institute in Melbourne.

2) Years of Experience

Started creating Millinery in 2013 –  5 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

I enjoy making Millinery that is feminine, with an understated elegance. I use bold colours and a mix of traditional and modern trimmings.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

My specialty would be including Intricate beading on my work. Headbands and crowns are my favourite shapes to use and I love applying pearls and crystals to create a truly unique piece.

Studied Fashion Design (3years full time) at Canberra Institute of Technology, Cert IV Millinery Canberra Institute of Technology, Courses in Theatrical and Historical Millinery with Jane Smith London. Many many courses with International Acclaimed Milliners.

2) Years of Experience

Started creating Millinery in 2002 – 16 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

My brand is fun, feminine, bold and creative. My creations are wearable art and can be left on display long after the event is over. Combining traditional millinery techniques, innovative styling and insistence on top quality, my pieces speak for themselves.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques)

Love feathers but inspired by everything.

Attended international millinery forum wagga wagga 2 years. Hats off Convention in Brisbane 1 year.

2) Years of Experience

Started creating Millinery in 2014 –  4 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

Abstract, contemporary and sophisticated millinery for race goers and bridal.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Bridal headpieces, veils and accessories, Race headpieces, Guipure Lace, swarovski, sinamay, straw, felt, silk abaca and leather.

5) Prizes and Awards

Runner up and Finalist 2015, 2016, 2017 Abia Bridal Accessories.
Winner 2018 – Bridal Accessories – Bridal Choice Awards.
Finalist – Oaks Day 2018 Millinery Award … current year.
Winner Best Millinery at various picnic races.

A qualified art and design teacher, I have trained in millinery in London, France and Australia.

2) Years of Experience

Started creating Millinery in 2012 –  6 years experience. Prior to that, I had over 40 years experience as a sculptor and textile designer/teacher.

3) Millinery Style

I love to make hats that are classic in style and materials, including cloche and elegant 50s style pieces suitable for racing and even bridal, always with a twist of different style. I feel people need to wear a headpiece that suits, not just because it is ontrend.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I love to use vintage fabrics and hat blocks to create unique pieces. I also custom design many of my blocks so that they are totally unique. Each piece I create is a one only headpiece. I create spring racing as well as seasonal hats for summer and winter.

I am predominately a self-taught milliner who has been guided by many vintage millinery manuals and have refined my millinery skills by attending short classes with world-renowned and Australian milliners including Ian Bennett, Neil Grigg, Serena Lindeman, Janelle Rayner and Lorraine Gill.

2) Years of Experience

I have been making Millinery since 2009 – 9 years experience. Prior to becoming a Milliner I used to be an exhibiting artist/painter.

3) Millinery Style

I would describe my style as a mix of classic elegance and clean modern lines.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I specialise in feather and silk flowers and love to combine these with a beautifully blocked straw or leather base.

Since starting millinery in 2014 I have completed certificate 1 at Melbourne Fashion Institute. Since completing the fundamental training I have gone on to gain invaluable knowledge and skills from the country’s best and most talented milliners.

2) Years of Experience

Started classes in 2014 – 4 years of formal experience.

3) Millinery Style

My style is contemporary and sophisticated.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I have a particular passion for hats for FOTF events for all our racing carnivals. I specialise in large brim hats that are sophisticated but simple and eye catching at the same time. My father is a block maker which has helped me to be able to change my styles as fashion moves forward. I have also made a large range of perchers in the past but large brims are my go to at the moment.

Diploma in Fashion Design (Completed in 2010 at the Design and Arts College of New Zealand). I have also undertaken multiple millinery courses over the years learning from milliners including Rebecca Share, Brett Morley, Cherryl McIntyr, Jane Stoddart, Carole Maher, Elaine Mergard, Ian Bennett & Amanda Macor.

2) Years of Experience

I launched ‘Divine Millinery’ in 2014, however I have 11 years experience (since 2008).

3) Millinery Style

Bright, bold, fun & practical headpieces. I like to experiment with new materials and think outside of the box when it comes to my designs.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

My favourite materials to work with are leather, felt, thermoplastics, velvet, lace, feathers and pretty much anything I can get my hands on!

I started enrolling in millinery courses at the Hat Academy and am planning to get my certificate and join Millinery Association of Australia.

2) Years of Experience

Since April 2018.

3) Millinery Style

As I am very new to this, I am still finding myself.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Leather crowns would be the one if I must choose. But as I said before, I am stil learning.

Jennifer has completed a Certificate IV in millinery at Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (2014) and a Diploma of Branded Fashion at Billy Blue College of Design (2018). Millinery courses have also been undertaken with Australian milliners Rebecca Share, Waltraud Reiner, Jane Stoddart and international milliners Tracy Chaplin, Ian Bennet and Awon Golding.

2) Years of Experience

Commenced making millinery in 2010 – 9 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

Jennifer creates classically elegant headpieces that evoke sophistication and a delicate femininity. Her understated style and careful eye for detail ensures pieces are effortless and completely complimentary to the wearer and their outfit.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Jennifer creates ready to wear and bespoke millinery for racewear, bridal and special occasion millinery. Her preferred shapes are wide brimmed hats and headpieces, boater hats and berets/face huggers. She loves to work with a variety of materials including straw, buckram, sinamay, straw cloth and fur felt and is drawn to the draping capabilities of silk abaca, jinsin and silks. Line and texture are accentuated through hand tooled flowers, sculptured feathers, moulded lace, beading and veiling.

I am largely self taught, then I began classes with Riverina Community College and progressed to attending International Millinery Forum classes, weekend workshops with a variety of Master Milliners and online. I am an artist as well as a Milliner, so I tend to find that my design style comes naturally with respect to line and balance, and my works tend to have quite a sculptural aspect to them. I enjoy working one on one with tutors as this allows me to really explore the technique I am developing, but the real magic always happens when I am at home in my studio.

2) Years of Experience

I began making hats in 2010, but have been creating artistic works since 2007. Our whole family is artistic, so it was a strange thing that I discovered later in life why I always felt at odds with myself. My artistic brain has been creating since the day I was born!

3) Millinery Style

I would describe my work as organically structured. They all begin quite structured and gradually grow a life of their own and burst out of their own confines. I seem to bring a small amount of chaos to all my works, perhaps this is a refection of my own personality.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I have the most fun when I am given a pile of random things and asked to make a hat. I love repurposing materials, and pushing myself to experiment and be resourceful. I particularly love working with felt and feathers, as they are soft and provide a sense of luxury.

I am mostly self-taught but have completed a number of courses and attended workshops, learning techniques with some of the top Australian and international Milliners.

2) Years of Experience

I have been designing and making unique headpieces since 2010. I have always been artistic and creative and after learning basic millinery as a hobby, it quickly turned into a passion. I’m constantly learning and challenging myself with new and exciting ideas and trends.

3) Millinery Style

I would describe my style as Elegant, Abstract and Unique. I love designing unusual shapes and bold statement headpieces that stand out in the crowd.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I specialise in unique and affordable headpieces. I love working with bright colours, textures and free form shapes being my design inspiration. It’s exciting and so rewarding seeing designs evolve and become a ‘work of art’.

I enjoy the challenge of creating a unique headpiece for my clients and to create a design that will not only compliment their outfit but will make a statement of their individuality and unique style.

I studied Millinery at TAFE, online and workshops with Milliners in Brisbane.

2) Years of Experience

I started in 2015 and have four years experience in creating Millinery.

3) Millinery Style

My millinery is designed with comfort and style. Each piece is finished to look great from every angle, you can see this by viewing the 3D image of my work on my hat listings. Custom orders are a combination of the client requests and my creativity.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I really enjoy working with Silk Abaca, I love the flow and texture of this beautiful material. I really enjoy learning new techniques and I am always trying them out.

I am a self taught Milliner. I have completed an online course with Rebecca Share. I have my own unique design and flair for fashion. I have made many bespoke pieces to compliment my clients face shape and style of fashion.

2) Years of Experience

I have been designing and creating millinery for since 2017 with affordability in mind. When I start a project I am fully dedicated and enjoy every aspect of fulfilling a client’s needs may it be a headpiece for a wedding or Spring Carnival event.

3) Millinery Style

My style I would have to say is about creating something that will stand out in a crowd. Modern with an edge also classic with character. I adore a lady with class and elegance and hats have a way of showcasing this. A favourite is the Classic Black and white for Derby Day as there is so much you can create with Staple colors. I enjoy using abaca, silk, sinamay, feathers, wire work, beading and flower making to name a few.

I completed my Millinery Cert IV at Albury Tafe under the fabulous instruction of Elizabeth Hemsley. From there I was hooked and have since participated in almost all the Australian Millinery conventions and the Wagga Wagga Millinery Forums and had the pleasure of learning from some of the best Milliners in the world including Ian Bennet, Tracy Chapman, Edwina Ibbotson, Phillip Rhodes, Richard Nylon, Christine Waring, Louise McDonald, Rebecca Share and many more.

2) Years of Experience

I have more than 16 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

I would describe my millinery style as traditional but with a quirky twist. I don’t stick to one style in particular, as I like to see my pieces evolve from the materials I choose to use and my client’s needs. I like to try to use many of the techniques I have learned over the years and not be limited by current trends.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I love working with parisisal straw and sinamay and felt, but I also love wire work, leather and feathers and to use different fabrics and braids I have collected over the years. Yes, I have a hoard of bits and pieces! I make my headpieces to be easy to wear and be as light as possible.

I started my career in Interior Design and Decoration and moved on to being a stylist for photography shoots in the furniture industry. I started learning about 12 years ago and more seriously in the last 3 years. I have a certificate of completion from the Hat Academy Certificate course with Elaine Mergard. I have done various classes with Louise Macdonald in the last 3 years and recently with Waltraud Reiner and Catherine Kelly. I have also had classes and workshops with Rebecca Share, Peter Jago, Serena Lindeman, Liza Stedman and Mandy Moore. I also participated for a number of years in colour prediction workshops. My other interests are floristry and fabric bag making.

2) Years of Experience

I started learning about 12 years ago and more seriously in the last 3 years.

3) Millinery Style

My style could be described as elegant, feminine and striking.  I follow fashion and adapt to it. My hats are mainly for racewear.

Starting with a short course in millinery at the Sydney Community College with couture milliner Catherine Kelly of Embellish Atelier, Abigail continued her studies and completed a Certificate 3 in Millinery at TAFE NSW Sydney Institute in 2018 under the guidance of master milliner, Bronwyn Shooks. Abigail has also completed workshops with Louise Macdonald and Elaine Mergard of Hat Academy. Always looking at perfecting her craft, Abigail continues to undertake further training at every opportunity.

2) Years of Experience

Abigail has been creating hats since 2017, and officially launched her business, Abigail Fergusson Millinery, in 2020. Abigail is currently a member of the Millinery Association of Australia.

3) Millinery Style

Abigail Fergusson Millinery has a classic, elegant aesthetic. Abigail creates beautifully chic feminine hats of the finest, most luxurious materials with a high-quality finish. A strong believer in timeless style rather than the latest fashion trend, Abigail’s designs takes inspiration from the golden age of Hollywood and the enduring styles of French design houses such as Chanel and Dior.

Cert 3 in Millinery – TAFE QLD. Millinery Conventions – participation in multiple courses. Multiple private lessons with Galina Koford – leather flower & Japanese Flower making techniques. France extended workshop with Moart Zabor. A variety of workshop courses with varying instructors.

2) Years of Experience

I commenced designing for clients in 2006 to current. I am a member of the Fashion Committee at Brisbane Racing Club.

3) Millinery Style

My style is varied from simple to “ Stand out in the Crowd”. I like to be different and I don’t often follow trends as I believe in being an individual. All pieces are one of a kind. I specialise in hats and complimenting accessories for men which of course compliment the lady of the day.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I love big bold colours and pheasant feathers. I enjoy using silks of all types to create hand painted flowers. When using pheasant feathers they can be wired depending on the end result. All hats are hand sewn so they are given that extra love and attention they deserve. Covered hats are interesting particularly when under the brim have individually sewn seed pearls. All beads are sewn one by one.

Enza Geddes of tHAT Millinery started her appreciation and pas de deux with hats as a result of her dance background. Enza tapped into her creative talent to attend 6 weeks of intensive classes with Louise MacDonald and then successfully completed the full 3 year Certificate IV in Millinery at Kangan Institute under Serena Lindeman and Melissa Jackson. 

2) Years of Experience

Started in 2013 – 7 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

The strive for excellence is the key to what drives tHAT’s seasonal collections combining traditional millinery techniques, a high-fashion focus and modern silhouettes. With an inclination for minimalism tHAT Millinery strives for perfection in the simplicity of their design.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Innovative fabric manipulation; delicately manipulated silk fold out shapes, are a signature trim of tHAT Millinery’s collections and bespoke commissions.

By trade, I’m actually a shoe designer of about 20 years. Ranging from ladies heels right through to equestrian boots and skateboarding shoes! The process of creation and blocking a hat is actually quite a similar concept to lasting a shoe. I find the creative process so much fun with millinery, no 2 pieces are the same! I’ve done some great courses with Rebecca Share and Ian Bennett.  

2) Years of Experience

I started Jettah & Till Design Headpieces in 2014, so 6 years now.

3) Millinery Style

I love a balance of classic with a twist of modern, and then completely modern on the other spectrum. I love head turning designs. I love working with new materials, more recently cut acrylic and also sculptured pieces.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I love doing leather boaters, acrylic boaters, featherwork application, and I love twisting quills and sculptured pieces.

I enrolled in 2011 to study millinery at Kangan Institute TAFE located in Richmond, where I completed my Certificate II, II,& IV in Millinery and graduated in 2014 and I also have done a couple of other millinery workshops along the way.

2) Years of Experience

I have been doing millinery for 9 years all together, this includes the 3 1/2 years of study at TAFE and a professional milliner for 6 years. 

3) Millinery Style

My millinery style would be unique, and a bit quirky. I like to use different fabrics and materials, especially vintage laces and trims to create beautiful millinery, I also like to create millinery with the fabrics used in the client outfits, so they can have a complete look.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I would say a lot of flower work goes into my millinery, so anything flower related I love. I can create flowers out of fabric, feathers, leather, and wire. I can also make flowers out of the fabrics of your outfit if you are wanting a flower to match and to incorporate in your millinery.

I have a cert 4 in millinery from the Brisbane Tafe 2011. I have had the pleasure over the years of upskilling with some of Australia’s best milliners and international milliners doing advanced master classes.

2) Years of Experience

I have been making hats since 1997 (23yrs).

3) Millinery Style

Classical through to innovative.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

My favourite would be fabric over foundation and feather work.

Brea Moreland of Brea Melissa Millinery, Studied Millinery at Melbourne School of Fashion under Sandra Buchanan in 2003. As a student, she completed a work placement with Richard Nylon.

Having recently returned to the world of Millinery; Brea has not only refreshed her previously acquired millinery skills but has also completed numerous courses and classes with Torb and Reiner and Hat Academy.

She also completed a masterclass with International Artist/Milliner Maor Zabar.

2) Years of Experience

Since 2017 (approx. 3 -4 years).

3) Millinery Style

Playful and full of colour, with creative edge.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Her specialty is in the visual aspect of hat design, having a piece perfectly balanced from every angle.

Leather flower making & blocking.

2) Years of Experience

Started in 2018.

3) Millinery Style

Feminine with a mix of modern to old school glamour.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Leather roses & halo style.

Catherine started making hats and headpieces while living in Europe. Her work has sold around the world and featured on catwalks in the UK, France, China and Australia. After leaving a corporate role with Heineken in Amsterdam, Catherine took the opportunity to build on her dressmaking expertise and learn the art of millinery. 

“I could always make my own Melbourne Cup race wear, but I was always reliant on someone else to make my hats. Learning millinery gave me the freedom to create complete outfits that matched my vision exactly. Sometimes it is the hat that inspires the dress and sometimes it is the dress that inspires the hat.”

Catherine is largely self-taught, benefiting significantly from her dressmaking background.  She has also completed specialist classes with milliners in Australia and the UK. These include Eugenie van Oirschot, Carole Maher, Justine Bradley-Hill, Sally-Ann Provan and most recently Brenda Treasure and Neil Grigg.

2) Years of Experience

Catherine established her first label in 2013 and rebranded to Catherine Storm Millinery in 2020. Catherine is a Fellow Member of the Millinery Association of Australia.

3) Millinery Style

Catherine creates unique and elegant hats and headpieces using both modern and traditional millinery techniques. Many show a European influence. She is known for her precise technical skills that deliver an immaculate finish.

She works with a broad range of materials from parasisal straw, sinamay, silk and crinoline to fabric woven paper.  She also enjoys experimenting and exploring the possibilities of a material or technique. She has even created a stylish panama from a second hand jumper and business shirt for an upcycle/recycle themed millinery competition.

1) Millinery Training

I am primarily self taught, and certainly when I began my millinery journey in Singapore, I had no formal training and had not undertaken any classes. It wasn’t until I returned to Australia that I started training with Serena Lindeman at Kangan Tafe (Certificate IV in Millinery). I am currently undertaking first and second years at the same time.

2) Years of Experience

I started making headwear in 2011 in Singapore.

3) Millinery Style

My style would be best described as structured classic, using colour and classic shapes to capture the imagination, and create feminine, flattering wearable millinery.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I enjoying working with a variety of materials, particularly straws of all kinds for summer and Racewear pieces, and felts for winter hats.

Claire is a self taught milliner with a background in fine arts and fashion styling.

2) Years of Experience

Claire made her first hat for a sewing competition when she was 11. However her commercial millinery journey began in 2011 when she saw a gap in the market for millinery that combined on trend style with function and affordability.

3) Millinery Style

Claire’s signature style is modern and on trend while perfectly balancing a fresh fashion forward approach with comfort and wearability.  Her ready to wear collection is a wide broom but carries her clean unfussy style across all of her designs.  Claire is renowned for the styling advice she offers to her clients. Claire’s impeccable taste and eye for balance is generously afforded to all her clients.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Claire’s speciality is providing one of a kind stand out millinery at a more accessible price point. Claire’s work ethic and customer service is highly regarded- always willing to go the extra mile for her clients.

Australia for millinery courses and private lesson classes with some amazing and renowned milliners, Amanda Macor and Neil Grigg, Jane Stoddart, Serena Lindeman, Louise Macdonald.

2) Years of Experience

Started in 2007 – 12 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

Natalie loves the classic and feminine millinery styles such a pillbox or wide brim hat. She loves the statement that a millinery piece can make to any ensemble whether it be for a race day or for a formal wedding. Natalie’s style always incorporates practicality, she always wants you to be able to wear the piece again for multiple occasions!

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Straw & sinamay, blocking and flower making, wire work.

My formal millinery training began during my time as an undergraduate Costume Design & Technology major and continued, in a theatrical vein, for the duration of my career in theatre. My transition into fashion millinery was largely self-taught and founded upon my garment construction training from the theatre industry. Since launching my brand, I have had the opportunity to learn from many well known milliners, via online and in person instruction, including Bridget Bailey, Phillip Rhodes, Rebecca Share, and Louise Macdonald, to name a few. I continue to explore and increase my knowledge as well as develop new techniques.

2) Years of Experience

My brand was formally launched in 2015 but my experience in theatrical costuming and millinery spans close to two decades.

3) Millinery Style

As my knowledge grows my style evolves. Currently my work involves highly saturated color palettes, texture layering, and chic theatricality.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Some of my signature techniques include realistic hand painted silk butterflies and intricate beading, embellishments, and detail work.

I have a double major in Art History and Design with a fiber emphasis from the University of Minnesota. I spent over 20 years working for Crate&Barrel as store designer before I started my millinery journey. I took my first millinery course in 1999 through a local college in Chicago. I continued my education through workshops. I have worked with: Tracy Chaplin, Laura Del Villaggio, Rose Hudson, Galina Kofod, Louise MacDonald, Philip Rhodes, Jane Smith, Jane Stoddart, and Laura Whitlock.

2) Years of Experience

I started making hats part-time for family and friends in 2006 in my home studio. I became a full time milliner in 2015 when I opened my millinery shop/studio.

3) Millinery Style

My hat styles range from traditional hats to fun sculptural pieces. I like to work with traditional materials but love finding new and fun ways to use them.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I  work with a wide variety of materials…this may be the reason I love millinery so much. My favorite material for race day hats is sinamay. I especially like using freeform techniques but love experimenting with other straw materials.

I started in millinery with what I could learn online and completed the Hat Academy certification in 2017. I then completed the millinery intensive course at the London College of Fashion in 2018.

2) Years of Experience

I have been working in the millinery industry full time since the end of 2016. I also am the owner operator of the millinery supplies business Humboldt Haberdashery. My supplies business allows me more freedom to create highly detailed designs as a milliner.

3) Millinery Style

My style is artistic yet wearable, with emphasis on sculptural design. My work features high attention to detail and employs innovative techniques with a wide variety of materials. I enjoy developing new approaches to traditional and contemporary materials

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I enjoy working with crinoline and have developed a series of customization techniques for the material. I also work with other synthetic materials such as thermoplastics. I will often use these modern materials to complement a more traditionally built hat.

• Certificate in Millinery, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY – 1999
• Additional instruction at Millinery Meet Up. Tutors included Eugenie Van Oirschot, Lina Stein, Philip Rhodes & Bridget Bailey. Gatlinburg, TN – 2016, 2018
• Wire Frame hat course with Jane Smith at Fullerton College, CA – 2017

2) Years of Experience

24 years in millinery and over 30 years experience in fashion and textiles, from apparel design to textile chemistry and conservation. I have worked as a vintage clothing store manager, fiber arts instructor, collections research associate, and theater costume designer. Millinery has been my full time employment since 2012.

3) Millinery Style

Milli Starr designs are created with meticulous attention to detail in construction and composition; the result is stylish and sophisticated with a subtle nod to vintage styles of the 1920s to 1960s. I believe hats should be lightweight and comfortable to wear and that proportion should be balanced with the wearer’s height and shoulder width, as well as the silhouette of the dress.  My ideal customer is a woman who loves hats and wears them with confidence. She has a unique style, doesn’t necessarily follow fashion trends or obsess over designer labels and values quality, craftsmanship and individuality.

I have a B.A hons in printed and woven textiles and a teaching certificate. I trained in couture millinery with Rose Cory, Royal Warrant Holder.

2) Years of Experience
I have been a couture milliner for 20 years.

3) Millinery Style

I have a delicate style with a broad range of flattering shapes.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I specialise mainly in Spring/Summer season using a variety of straws, high quality sinamay, abaca and a range of luxury fabrics.

Roberta’s first contact with professional millinery was in 2015 when she attended a workshop with award-winning milliner Katherine Elizabeth. She was instantly hooked and continues to study with established milliners in London.

Roberta’s Italian family has a long tradition in bespoke fashion design stretching back to the 1920’s. Her great-grandmother used to create gorgeous bespoke outfits for the Sicilian nobility, and passed on her knowledge, skills and flair down to three generations.

2) Years of Experience

Roberta first started making hats in 2015 and launched her business in late 2018 under the name of Cheeky Hats.

3) Millinery Style

Roberta named her brand Cheeky Hats to convey a sense of playfulness and boldness. These qualities are found in her hats through colourful contrasts or more subtle cheeky details that finish her designs.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Roberta likes to invest time in researching environmentally-friendly, responsibly-sourced and/or vintage materials for her hats. She has a collection of vintage blocks in unusual shapes, which give her designs a unique look when combined with contemporary elements. She also enjoys creating one-off shapes by hand.

I am a self taught Milliner with a background in machine sewing who made small headpieces for family & friends and then decided to learn the traditional methods of blocking to form larger and more intricate pieces.

2) Years of Experience

I have been designing and making millinery for just over 10 years (since 2009) when I had my daughter and gave up full time employment to be a self employed mother and work from home. I wanted to amalgamate bespoke unique designs with affordability.

3) Millinery Style

I love to make on-trend modern pieces that stand out from the crowd and make a statement. I am a unique Milliner who likes nothing best but to design pieces that have moving parts and that tell a story.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I specialise in affordable millinery with a touch of celebrity status that will certainly be a showstopper for which ever event you are attending. I answer any questions and enquiries as soon as they come in and will bend over backwards to help all clients where ever they may be in the world.

Hat Academy – online courses.

2) Years of Experience

Have been professionally selling headpieces since 2016 – 3 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

East meets West, I like combining exotic colours, themes and inspiration with European styles and techniques. I like incorporating whimsical/ fantastical moods and themes through my designs. My pieces are like mini works of wearable artwork.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

• As well as using artificial flowers, I make my own handmade flower heads using materials such as silk, satin, chiffon – using special flower making tools
• Cocktail hat blocking
• Hand embroidery
• Materials commonly used: Beading, feathers, felt and sinamay

• Textiles and Art ALevels
• Fashion Design Diploma
• Short courses in Millinery 1 and Millinery 2 at London college of fashion
• Short courses in Corsetry at RWCMD
• Introduction to Costume design by Creative media skills at Pinewood studios wales

2) Years of Experience

Started creating Millinery in 2015.

3) Millinery Style

I love to make hats that are classic and elegant with a modern edge.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

Bespoke and ready to wear Millinery that are all made and blocked by hand. I like to work with all types of materials such as Parasisal straw, Felt and Buckram. I also like working with leather. I specialise in Pillbox hats and large perchers.

After graduating with BA Textile Design at the University of Arts London, I pursued the internationally renowned HNC in Millinery at Kensington and Chelsea College. With apprenticeships at acclaimed milliners such as Edwina Ibbotson, Piers Atkinson, Judy Bentinck, I honed my skills further, and eventually set my own label in 2016

2) Years of Experience

Started creating millinery in 2014 – 7 years of experience. Millinery Label established in 2016.

3) Millinery Style

My signature is mixing modern designs created with classic millinery techniques. I love working with bold shapes and handmade experimental textiles to create dramatic silhouettes. Yet, my hats are comfortable to wear, highlighting the identity and character of my clients. 

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I work with a variety of materials – felt, straws, crinoline, feathers, fabrics, thermoplastics, metallic foil etc. I never limit myself and always tend to push the boundaries to experiment with new materials in order to find a perfection for each hat I am working on.

I am predominantly self taught, but have completed online courses with renowned milliners such as Rebecca Share, Amanda Macor, Jane Stoddart, Liza Stedman, Suzanne Madden and Cheryll McIntyre. I have been a Hat Academy member since 2018, and recently a member of Rebcca Share’s Hat Atelier.

2) Years of Experience

I’ve been creating bespoke hats since 2017 (3 years experience to date.).

3) Millinery Style

I aim to create headpieces that combine both class and quirk – the quirk is in the detail and form, and the class is in the quality and lines of my hats. I try to infuse modernity and influences from the past in order to create unique pieces that are re-imaginations of classic styles, pieces of “head art”, not just accessories. I strive also for comfort and versatility, so that my customers could wear their hats and headpieces with different outfits if they choose. I love colour, drama, clashing prints, beads, embroidery, flowers, – and I love mixing them! 

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I love hand beading, blocking with leather and parisisal, making crinoline swirls, and sculpting flowers from leather and silk abaca. Prominent styles in my collections include crowns, perchers, turbans, visors, beaded headbands, boaters, free form parisisal hats, and pillboxes in an array of shapes.

I studied Fashion and Textiles at Leeds Arts University in Leeds, UK and graduated with Distinction.

2) Years of Experience

Started in 2010 – 10 years experience.

3) Millinery Style

Originally my work was very sculptural but I realised that, although these shapes are very interesting, they can be difficult to wear. My current collection blends contemporary forms with the softer touch of hand made silk ruffles, flowers and

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I love to use a range of materials including various straws but particularly Panama. It is a beautiful, luxurious weave and a piece of art in itself.

Millinery for me started as a hobby a while ago. It gradually transitioned from flower making. At some point I realised that I have to utilise all the flowers and fabrics I have collected in the past 7 years so hats’ making was a very natural choice for me. My first formal training was with award winning British milliner Judith Bentinck who creates high quality hats using very traditional British techniques. Later I continued my training with renowned international milliners such as Maor Zabar, Louise McDonald, Carole Mahe, Lina Stein and Amanda Macor. They all taught me their own unique techniques which I now implement in my classic, feminine and elegant designs with a pinch of sophistication. I see hats as an accessory that highlight individuality so if I have a client who would like an explosive eye catching design I can also work with that as well to materialise my client’s vision. In 2019 I started a line of Bridal Hair Accessories which I really enjoy doing.

2) Years of Experience

I have been making hats and bridal headwear under my own brand since 2017.

3) Millinery Style

When I design my hats or headpieces I use rich and luxurious fabrics and materials such as silks, organdi, velvets, fur wool, delicate leathers, French and Swiss handcrafted laces, feathers, Swarovski crystals, rhinestones and pearls (not natural). I implement exquisite details into my hats such as hand dyed and handmade silk flowers to make them stand out from the crowd. I also like to produce hats that my clients can wear more than one time and unless I’m working on a custom order my collections include black, white, red and blue classics that would be easy to match with other colours as years go by. Quality and attention to a detail is very important to me and I know my clients appreciate that when they open each and every hat box from me. My dream and ambition is that one day there will be Inna Walker Headpieces vintage hats that people would be after!

I’m a self taught milliner / hat maker with a background in Art and Design.

2) Years of Experience

I made my first headpiece for my own wedding in 2001 (18 years ago), which was a simple feather creation. After lots of enquiries from friends and family, soon after I started making headpieces and hats commercially. I specialised in pieces for Bridesmaids and both mothers of the Bride and Groom, but now mostly make pieces for race goers.

3) Millinery Style

I find it hard to describe my style as it changes depending on the season and trends, but it would go more towards fun, quirky, feminine and girly as I love using flowers, butterflies, pearls, crystals and anything sparkly. I love standout pieces and using bright colours.

4) Specialisation (e.g. fabrications, techniques) 

I specialise in embellished pillboxes, discs and hairbands. I love using and working with unusual feathers. And working with lace, sequin fabrics and felt. I also love to source one off or vintage, antique items for my customers, whether it’s antique lace from Brugge, vintage hat pins, vintage silk flowers or silk fabric from an auction. Something to make your piece truly unique. I also source a lot of my own feathers from rare breed bird breeders, making these feathers hard to come by and truly amazing, they are also naturally shed.

1) Millinery Training

I was Paris born with a strong appreciation for fashion & style. With a seamstress mother I pursued my creative side. I graduated from Interior Design at MRU in Calgary AB Canada, as well as a drawing graduate of The Alberta College of Art and Design. I traveled back to France to learn some basic millinery techniques from fellow seamstresses of my mothers and later took a class with milliner Louise Macdonald. In 2017 I made hats for CBC’s Television show Frankie Drake Mysteries. Today I focus my attention on custom and artistic creations.

2) Years of Experience

30 years

3) Millinery Style

My style is eclectic! Fashion to me is about expressing one’s own personal style through clothing and accessories. I don’t adhere to fashion trends. I am a vintage girl at heart, I love the 1920’s – 1960’s for fabrics and quality of trims.