Millinery Showcase

Anita Marshall (Anita Marshall Millinery)

Anita’s introduction to millinery begun with her interest in racing fashion and fashions on the field events. The beauty and extravagance of racing fashion is something that intrigues her and she finds the individual styling and creativity in which it brings is both inspiring and exciting. Anita’s inspiration comes from couture fashion and nature’s natural beauty. Her design aesthetic is always pared back and clean which allows traditionally blocked pieces to shine.

Having studied fashion and garment construction has helped Anita bring true harmony to her millinery work. Anita thrives on creating hand crafted pieces where she can transform both traditional and modern techniques into something special for the wearer. Anita takes great pride in the finished product and loves nothing more than others appreciating true craftsmanship.

At this year’s Stradbroke Day, Anita’s velour felt and feathered headpiece wowed the judges and won her first prize in their Best Millinery category. The headpiece, which gives the illusion of it floating on the side of the head, is undoubtedly one of her favourite creations.

Michelle Robinson (Hatricks by Michelle)

Hatricks by Michelle is an international award winning millinery brand. Hatricks was established in 2013 by Michelle Robinson. Michelle has always had a love of racing fashion and her creative flair and eye for fashion led her to developing a successful millinery business. Hatricks by Michelle millinery has won many awards both on and off the racetrack. In 2019 a Hatricks piece was awarded the People’s Choice Award at the Melbourne International Millinery Convention and was also selected as one of the top 8 pieces by the judging panel.

Across Australia and around the world Hatricks millinery can be seen gracing the Fashion on the Field catwalk and has been awarded numerous prizes- including the millinery award at the 2019 Dubai World Cup. For the last three years Hatricks by Michelle has also been invited to compete amongst the best milliners in Australia at the prestigious Myer Millinery Award at Flemington during Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Hatricks by Michelle is easily recognised by its structural silhouettes and sense of fluidity and movement. Michelle prides herself on creating statement pieces which are also comfortable to wear. Each piece created by Hatricks is uniquely hand crafted and one-of-a-kind. Michelle has studied with some of the top milliners from around the world to ensure she maintains up to date with current trends and techniques. In addition Michelle is always working to create innovative and fashion forward millinery designs.

Lisa Hughes (Lisa Hughes Millinery)

Lisa believes wearing a well-made hat says you are part of a community who cultivate personal style and respects those who create by hand. Modern millinery speaks to the discerning, who understand high-turnover production comes at a significant cost to self-expression and the environment.

In 2018 Lisa was awarded first prize in the MAA Student Millinery Competition, received a highly commended certificate in the RASV Masters of Millinery and placed top ten in the Kennedy Oaks Day Myer Fashions On The Field Millinery Award. Competing against such established and talented Australian milliners was such an exciting experience.

2019 is shaping up to be no different, with a top eight placement at MIMC and creating her spring collection for final year of Cert’ IV in millinery. Collaborating with three extremely talented millinery visionaries for Chapeaux & Champagne is certainly shaping up to be the highlight of the year.

Souri Sengdara (velvet&tonic)

Souri’s love of millinery and racing fashion began over two decades ago. Wanting to create the perfect piece of millinery for every one of her Fashions on the Field outfits led her to take on some millinery classes from a local Milliner. Within the course, she learnt traditional millinery methods which she still incorporates into her elegant, modern designs. Souri launched velvet&tonic after one of her clients, Holly Stearnes, won the Victorian title in the MYER Fashions On The Field competition wearing one of her stunning designs.

velvet&tonic designs do not follow any trends. Each piece is created with timelessness in mind, producing a piece of art rather than a piece of fashion for the wearer. Most of velvet&tonic’s inspiration comes from vintage elegance with a huge dose of modern flair. Simplicity is the key and only use luxurious materials. All headpieces are lovingly handmade here in Melbourne. Each design is only made in small quantities to ensure uniqueness.

Last year, velvet&tonic was invited into the Myer Fashions On The Field Millinery Award on Kennedy Oaks Day just months after launching the label. What an honour it was to have the opportunity to compete against such amazing Australian designers. Velvet and Tonic’s entry was announced as one of the top 20 designs in the competition that day. An incredible achievement for such a young label.