Theatrical Millinery

From thirties glamour to Bollywood bling - its all good! I enjoy the research aspect of all my projects: the more historic the better. Incorporating vintage materials is another element I relish. Sometimes the hat has to be the first thing you notice, but more often than not its something to compliment a look. I prefer not to be too 'matchy-matchy', and instead use elements of the design as a springboard for colour, line and materials. Knowing who will be wearing it is always a help, as height, colouring and complexion all make a difference.

 

My particular specialty is taking existing hats that look ready for the bin (!) and transforming them into something spectacular...

Fashion Millinery

Big hats, little hats, practical hats and the ridiculous - I've tackled them all! Working at two different London millinery establishments has meant I've provided hats for folk from all walks of life, for all occasions. 

 

I spent a total of five years working for hat designer Philip Treacy in his Battersea studio, plus a summer season with Jane Taylor, who counts many British and European royals amongst her clients.

Costume Design and Making

When not making hats, I've established a good reputation as a costume maker, with experience in both mens and ladies garments. I like a challenge, and have tended to enjoy finicky and time-consuming pieces that leave the cutting to the experts, and allow me to indulge in the specialty required. As such, I have wound up with some excellent skills in smocking, pintucks, pleats, curved lycra piecework, quilting, beading and other general embellishment.

 

I am very much interested in textile manipulation, as well as dyeing and breaking down, and these are definitely areas I would like to gain more experience in.

Creative Workshops

I've run advanced millinery workshops in three different Australian states. Welcoming me to their studios were established milliners Louise Macdonald (Melbourne), Jane Stoddart (Sydney), Sandy Aslett (Buderim, QLD) and The Essential Hat (Melbourne).

 

I'm available to hold workshops almost anywhere in the world, from beginners to advanced and everything in between. I have some interesting and unusual skills to pass on, not only in millinery, but also in dressmaking, hand-sewing, embroidery, and patchwork and quilting.