2024 Design Award

Winner

Bronwyn Schooks ‘A GALAXY OF WISDOM ’

As the Millinery Association of Australia celebrates its 30th anniversary, this piece takes the concept of ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ and expands the idea to encompass the Millinery Association as a whole. It celebrates all the generations of milliners who have provided pearls of wisdom with each other that have ultimately created a galaxy of knowledge and support. At times, some stars (or pearls) shine brighter than others, but this is an everchanging roster. Everyone has their turn to shine brightly. There are always new pearls of wisdom to discover.

Millinery @themillinerydept

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Second Place

Cynthia Jones-Bryson ‘KIMBERLY’

Cynthia Jones Bryson was immediately drawn to pearl jewellery design from the Kimberly region. “The pearls gathered in the warm waters near Broome grow to the largest size known to man, and their magnificent lustre is unmatched the world over.” The designs she pied are truly magnificent- the pearl/s sitting proudly as the centre of attention in each design. Truly inspirational.

Millinery @cynthiajonesbrysonmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Third Place and Patron’s Pick

Anita Marshall  ‘GIRL WITH A PEARL’

Anita Marshall wanted to create a piece of millinery that evoked a sense of connection and familiarity to the theme of pearl. Vermeer’s painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring, could possibly be the most iconic pearl of all time. The curiosity and wonder that surrounds this work is something Anita wanted to bring to life in her finished piece. Her intention was to create something that was outside the box, with that in mind, she wanted to seemingly free the girl from her frame. The embroidery painting technique used to create the girl took over 60 hours to complete,

Millinery @anita.marshall.millinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

People’s Choice

Sue Younis ‘THE TEARS OF APHRODITE ’

In Greek mythology it was believed that pearls were tears of joy shed by the Goddess Aphrodite. Sue Younis’ headpiece reflects tears falling from a shape representing an eye over a large teardrop shape. She aimed to create a regal creation as historically pearls were only worn by the wealthy aristocracy for many years.

Millinery @susanyounismillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Packing Room Prize

Lauren Ritchie ‘FIELD OF PEARLS’

“Field of Pearls” seamlessly merges the timeless beauty of pearls, symbolising special occasions, with the charm of a bouquet of exquisite flowers. This piece features a lightweight, yet robust base formed from fosshape. The base is covered in luxurious silk dupion to create a rich base. Adorning the piece is a field of pressed flowers, each one thoughtfully arranged and attached by hand creating a delicate, textured surface, At the centre of each flower is a hand sewn bead, adding a focal point.

Millinery @lauren.j.ritchie

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Top 10

Catherine Storm ‘PEARL DIVER ’

PEARL DIVER

Pearl Diver is inspired by a traditional copper and brass diving helmet worn by divers searching for pearls. The heart motif is taken from the protective grills on the helmet’s windows. While usually viewed as two crossed, curved long rectangles, heart shapes can also be seen in the grills. The geometric design was created firstly on paper using a protractor and Pi calculations. It then came to like with Swiss braid wrapped millinery wire. The wide base headband provides a stable platform for the circular heart structure and the central circular motif.

Millinery @catherine_storm_millinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Top 10

Joanne Cooke ‘MOTHER’

Mum loved the ocean. Mother of Pearl evokes in her cherished childhood holiday memories of creating Jewellery trays (and ash trays!!!) from beautiful shells, their inner layers a dance of glimmering pastels. These brilliant colours became her Mum’s chosen wardrobe palette and were always accompanied with matching shoes, beads and clip on earrings of course. Many of the beads, crystals and pearls embellishing this shell are her mother’s. In recent years, Joanne’s Mum suffered dementia, and was often trapped in her shell, but now, her family’s matriarch pearl is free to shine bright once again.

Millinery @joannebuchanancooke

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Top 10

Kathryn Lee ‘LADY PENELOPE “PEARL” BRIDGERTON’

Lady Penelope “Pearl” Bridgerton was inspired by season 3 of Bridgerton. The story of a young woman finding her voice, her sense of style and all-round self-confidence. Kathryn Lee wanted to do a modern take on a Bridgerton style 19th century hat, incorporating vintage viscose straw and recycled jewellery elements. Sculpted in a way as to look like a floral creeping vine magically working its way around a floating wreath. Lady Pearl can be seen elegantly floating around “the ton” under the watchful eye of many an admirer. This piece is made almost entirely of vintage and recycled materials.

Millinery @kathrynleemillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Top 10

Lisa Watt ‘RUTH’S ROSE ’

Pearls always remind Lisa Watt of her maternal grandmother, Ruth. Her nana’s pearls were almost a permanent fixture around her neck, she suspects they had been a staple fashion accessory well before grandchildren were born. So, when they came along, the pearls had lost their lustre and taken on the scent of her signature rose perfume. It seemed fitting to create a Design Award entry that combined pearls with Ruth’s love of roses. Ruth favoured vibrant colour and big bold blooms in her garden. Creating a stylised, full bloomed red rose was heartfelt and an obvious choice to make.

Millinery @lisahughesmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Top 10

Rebecca Share ‘FEATHER IN YOUR HAT’

FEATHER IN YOUR HAT ‘Feather in your Hat’ pays tribute to the milliners who have journeyed with the Millinery Association of Australia. Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of pearls, Rebecca Share designed every detail of this hat, beginning with the custom percher hat block, to achieve a distinctive silhouette. The hand-blocked sinamay base beautifully captures the sophistication and lustre of pearls, sewn together in unison. The meticulously crafted wirework feather, adorned with twisted bugle beads, symbolizes the exceptional individual milliners who shine through their creative talents.

Millinery @rebeccashare

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Top 10

Robynne Dowd ‘MOTHER OF PEARL’

Robynne Dowd’s design ‘Mother of Pearl’ has been inspired by her mother who’s passion for Millinery was lovingly passed down to her. The central luminous pearl was created by using traditional blocking in leather over fosshape, and hand painted with a pearlescent leather paint. It represents a precious gift from Robynne’s mother to her, reflecting her guidance with millinery design. To create contrast and illustrate artistic growth, a more modern technique combining foil and blended inks to create the shell surrounding the pearl was employed. The sinamay back and silk bow represent the ocean where new and old techniques combine. The pearls on the quills complete the passage of wisdom.

Millinery @robandbek_hats

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Top 10

Sarah Mensforth ‘ALFRED, HAVE YOU SEEN MY PEARLS? ‘

Legend has it that Alfred Hitchcock introduced Grace Kelly to Cartier Pearls. As Grace prepares to walk the red carpet, she’s in a state of panic. Her treasured pearls are nowhere to be found. The tension builds, reminiscent of the masterful suspense of Hitchcock’s cinematic thrillers. Has someone snatched the pearls from under her nose, or has she simply misplaced them in the chaos of her preparations? The mystery remains unsolved, leaving only one question: where have the cartier pearls gone? This piece by Sarah Mensforth represents the empty boxes that have been thrown across the dressing table as she searches.

Millinery @mensforthmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Abigail Fergusson ‘COCO‘

Abigail Fergusson’s entry draws inspiration from the iconic ensemble of the “little black dress” paired with a pearl necklace, as made famous by Coco Chanel in the 1920s and Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. The classic pairing exudes sophistication, simplicity and timeless elegance, transcending and captivating generations. A statement headpiece, reminiscent of pearls nestled in a clam shell, the hand sculpted black wide-brimmed silhouette elegantly contrasts with the delicate pearl and crystal beading, while the pleated fabrics create texture, overall creating a dramatic yet sophisticated look that embodies the essence of these fashion legends: chic, mysterious and utterly captivating.

Millinery @abigailfergussonmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Alana English ’THE PEARL FISHER’S DUET’

Les pecheurs de perles is an iconic opera by composer George Bizet. It contains the magnificent duet known as the Pearl Fisher’s duet. Alana English took this duet as the inspiration for her piece. The opera portrays a tale of love, betrayal and sacrifice amongst the pearl fisherman of Ceylon. As a nod to the duet, she has fashioned twin fish, their tails entwined with pearls. The iridescent pearl like scales at the tail end of the fish represent similar markings that she saw on goldfish she observed while visiting the amazing Art Aquarium in Ginza Tokyo.

Millinery @alanaenglishmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Alison Morgan ‘ELEGANT PEARL’

Alison Morgan’s design aesthetic for this piece is simplicity and elegance. From the depths of our beautiful seas a pearl is formed, within the clam shell, they grow in beautiful lustre with each passing year. Some believe the pearl represents purity and love. Alison’s piece tells the story of the blue seas that supported and nurture the pearl, the shell that protected it and the waves that provided the nutrients to form its lustre and beauty.

Millinery @morgan.millinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Bec Bayss ‘BEAUTY WITHIN’

The inspiration for this piece came mostly from the unique shape of the custom-made hat block used in its construction, To Bec Bays, the shape resembled an open pearl which envelopes the wearer – just like an oyster envelopes the beautiful pearl within it. It’s what’s inside that counts. The beaded bridal lace, individually cut and hand sewn to the surface of the sinamay is reminiscent of the silvery grey colours of an oyster shell. Also a thing of natural beauty, and usually discarded, the oyster shell is often overlooked for the beauty within.

Millinery @bb.millinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Catherine Kelly ‘PEARL BEYOND PRICE’

Inspired by the theme ‘Pearl’, Catherine Kelly created this headpiece juxtaposing two delicate block shapes, a deconstructed and rewoven vintage braid and hand beaded pearls in pantone shades of pearled ivory, and mother of pearl for the Annual Design Award in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Millinery Australia.

Millinery @embellish_atelier

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Georgia Skelton ‘APHROS’

In Greek Mythology, pearls are said to be the tears of joy shed by Aphrodite, the goddess of love, so it is little wonder that pearls are associated with femininity and beauty. The myth claims that she was born from the foam of the sea. The word APHROS, is Greek for foam and her name means “risen from the foam”. This piece titled APHROS by Chris Mullane is her interpretation of seafoam, The foam bubbles have a mother of pearl sheen to honour the mythological mother of the pearl, Aphrodite.

Millinery @chrismullanemillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Christine Martin ‘MIA PERLA’

When Christine Martin heard the theme of this year’s Design Award was Pearl, she immediately thought of a pearl coming from the sea. She hopes the observer sees her vision and interpretation of a pearl coming out of the sea in the materials used to construct her hat. She also aimed for a classic, wearable and saleable hat.

Millinery @millinerybychristine

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Christine Warring ‘MERMAID’

This headpiece by Christine Waring represents a ‘Perched Clam Shell’ sitting on the ocean bed, with the beginnings of the pearl forming from a grain of sand. The ‘Mermaid’ myth has always been connected to the sea and pearls. The piece was created using a dampened felt hood hand-moulded over a small hat block, forming the base. The remaining felt piece is gathered in at the centre, forming a sculpted fluted piece to create the shell. Threaded pearls on the felt strips are attached to the headband with seed pearls for sand.

Millinery @christine_waring_millinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Dini Millie ‘MUTIARA – YOUR PEARL TIARA ’

Mutiara is the Indonesian word for Pearl. It also just happens to have the word “Tiara” in it, and “mu” means “yours”, so that hat names itself as “Your Pearl Tiara”. In Indonesia, Tiaras are used a lot in traditional dress, for such occasions as weddings. Pearls are especially prominent in the sea-going cultures of Sulawesi, Lombok and Bali. Therefore, the inspiration for Dini Millie’s Tiara is to create a fascinator suitable for weddings and high glitz occasions, with all the glamour of Pearl. Dini made all the leaves and flowers by hand using resin, interspersing them with Pearl sand and crystals. Dini wanted to create a sense of the undersea, with an intricate, Coral-Pearl aura, suitable for a Princess of the Sea, on whatever big day the occasion may be.

Millinery @dinimilliemillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Elena Kornienko ‘TRICENTENNIAL PEARL REVERIE’

“Tricentennial Pearl Reverie”, a creation inspired by the three-decade milestone of Millinery Australia, pays homage to its devoted members. Within its floral masterpiece, 175 delicate petals unfurl, each symbolising a unique facet of the association’s journey. 130 petals embody the camaraderie among fellow members, their shared experiences and the bonds forged over time. 20 larger petals represent the association’s unwavering hope for the future and the resilience of its student members. 11 grandest petals stand as a tribute to the Hall of Fame, honouring the remarkable achievement and contributions of distinguished individuals. 14 petals, like cherished associates encircle and invisible pearl – a metaphor for the enduring spirit of Millinery Australia, hidden yet ever present. Crafted using the exquisite Japanese Somebana technique, each petal mirrors the diversity and individuality of the association’s members, weaving a tapestry of beauty and unity.

Millinery @silkyflora

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Fiona Cooper ‘15.04.00’

Fiona Cooper’s experience in Broome during Tropical Cyclone Rosita on 15 April 2000 was incredibly memorable, albeit intense! The contrast between seeking out pearls in such weather and the sudden red alert evacuation from the Paspaley store made for a surreal and unforgettable adventure. It’s interesting how her black sun visor, originally a holiday staple, became a shield against the elements during the cyclone. The imagery of the beads embellishing the visor represent the colours and landscape of the Kimberly region and adds a poetic touch to the story, highlighting the unique beauty of the area even amidst a category 5 cyclone. Despite not being able to make her purchase, the experience itself has left a lasting impression.

Millinery @millinerylaalaa

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Fiona Eichler ‘PEARL IN THE NIGHT SKY’

Mythology, legend and folklore have long associated pearls with the moon. Some, but the simple resemblance of a milky orb-shaped pearl to the full moon on a clear night. Others call pearls the teardrops of the moon or gods. Ancient Hindu folklore describes dewdrops falling from the moon into the sea turning into pearls. ‘Pearl in the Night Sky’ is the full moon, as seen in the southern hemisphere, created using glass pearls.

Millinery @fionaeichler

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Georgia Skelton ‘CLEOPEARLTRA ’

For Georgia Skelton, pearls are a symbol of maturity, strength and stability. She looked to history for these representations and has drawn inspiration from the Tudor, Renaissance and Elizabethan periods, the 1920s and Cleopatra to create with quilted and beaded piece of millinery. Cleopatra loved pearls. Her favourite possession was two pearls valued at $29million USD. Rumour has it that she dissolved one of these pearls in vinegar and drank it to win a bet with Mark Anthony. The combination of eras has resulted in a modern twist on history, that she hopes Cleopatra would proudly wear to the Met Gala.

Millinery @georgia_skelton_millinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Irene Moore ‘Jess’

The Lily has been part of Irene Moore’s inspiration for this piece, as it is the flower to celebrate a 30 year anniversary. She wanted to create a more contemporary piece with an oversixed Pearl bursting from its shell proudly perched centred on the head, then to incorporate the hand painted silk Lily flower in pink, cascading softly around the face symbolizing pride in full bloom, held by a white curled quill. The name Jess was chosen for this piece as it seemed very fitting as this was the most popular girl’s name 30 years ago, and part of her personality is being creative.

Millinery @mooremillinerydesigns

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

James King ‘VENUS DREAMS OF THE SEA’

To invoke ‘pearl’, James King sought to capture the beauty of their glistening lustre and birthplace in the sea. The ideas of beauty, sea and birth are paralleled in ‘Birth of Venus’ by Sandro Botticelli and merged with the decadence of baroque pearl jewellery to create his final design. To capture the unique forms of baroque pearls, James sculpted a block, used felt as the base, wired it and covered it in leather that was then painted finishes of faux pearl and gold. To create the sea wave, he hand dyed silk using a shibori technique, adding a custom design embroidery with vintage netting used as support. The baroque acanthus leaves are hand sculpted and cast in modelling clay and finished with various gold mediums.

Millinery @jameslionelking_costume

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Jane Moy ‘LOST TREASURE’

A pearl diver’s once amazing find. Lost over the side of the boat in a storm, they are sent back to the ocean floor where they remain. The piece by Jane Moy features baroque pearls, hand shaped in polymer clay and finished with pearlex, embedded in crinoline shells sublimated with mother of pearl pattern and heated to create shape. These sit within a stiffened polyester yarn hand woven fishing net, tied with a rope delicately embellished with small pearls, all perched atop a sinamay blocked and hand shaped base.

Millinery @myhatmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Jo Honan ‘VINTAGE PEARL’

Anyone who knows Jo Honan, knows she loves pearls, and vintage hats. She wears her pearls every day. Working through the plan for her entry, Jo thought about how pearls form in layers of nacre and their lustre and texture. She wanted her hat to reflect this. The pillbox hat is one of her very favourite vintage styles, and after some online workshopping with a fellow milliner, it had to be the style she made. Jo mostly uses silk in her covered hats, and this one is all silk. Her piece is made up on layers and layers of fabrics, veiling and then a layer of freshwater pearls. The crown detail reflects the pattern of the veiling. The pastel pink colour she has used to complement the cream colour, was inspired by a very small piece of vintage veiling, she used every last bit of it, and of course to complete the hat, her signature, a Bonnetry Bow.

Millinery @bonnetryhats

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Jo Peterson ‘POSEIDON’S PROMISE’

Jo Peterson’s inspiration came from the Greek mythology where Poseidon, the mighty god of the sea, fell in love and married a young sea nymph, Amphirite. As the ocean’s creatures gathered to witness their union amidst the backdrop of swaying seaweed, vibrant turquoise waves and glistening sea foam, legend recounted that Poseidon bestowed upon his queen a magnificent trident crown adorned with shimmering pearls….a treasured gift from the sea symbolising his eternal love and unwavering commitment. Pearls continue to captivate, inspire and maintain a timeless allure which has been woven into our folklore and culture throughout history.

Millinery @jomareemillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Joanne Ramsay ‘PEARL WATTLE’

PEARL WATTLE For this piece Joanne Ramsay looked to the Australian bush for inspiration. The Pearl Wattle is an Australian native that represents resilience and reflection. With smooth, pale mint leaves, rough seed pods and pompom blossoms, it is iconic of the Australian wilderness. It took some effort to bring the blossom idea to fruition, with much trial and error with iridescent thread. Leaf shapes cut in silk were wired and shaped, before wrapping the stems individually in thread. When a floral branch was assembled, a cream straw was enhanced with pearlescence, and blocked on a 1960’s block to complement the flora.

Millinery @joramsaymillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

John Westwood Hill ‘MODERN PEARLS: ECHOES OF VINTAGE ELEGANCE’

John Westwood Hill wanted to take this back to a time when everyone wore pearls and wore a hat but infuse a modern twist on it with the colour choices. In more subdued and cohesive colours, this would be a beautiful vintage looking piece, but selecting shocking neons, brings this piece into the modern day. With this piece he had to go back to his training to ensure he didn’t go too modern with the design.

Millinery @jwhmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Julia Watson ‘SARMATICUS’

The inspiration for Julia Watson’s headpiece was the South African Turbo shell knows as the turbo sarmaticus. The shell has different shades of red, orange and brown and when cleaned and polished it reveals intermittent pearl, making it a true jewel of the sea. Julia set the shell in a clam like setting for which custom blocks were made and used to replicate the clam shell. She used blue textured glitter fabric to create an appearance of water glistening on the shell, replicating sunlight in the ocean. The headpiece sits in the middle of the forehead to create a “Queen of the Sea” look.

Millinery @juliawatson_zarbella

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Karen Livingston ‘VELLUTO PERLA’

The inspiration for Karen Livingston’s entry came from a pendant she owns with a sole, large, faux, half pearl in the centre. The design became organic, using polymer clay to create the large centre pearl. Placing the pearl on a base, she blocked the fosshape and then covered it in pleated black velvet….What can be more classic and luxurious than pearls with a black velvet dress?

Millinery @kml_millinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Kathleen Watson ‘THE PEARL’

Kathleen Watson designed “The Pearl” in an oyster from her Central Coast Studio, where the original and innovative design represents and exploration of ideas using various millinery techniques to create this headpiece. Her inspirations are represented in the clear link between the process and production of a pearl’s creation, and the creative process and production of millinery that were used in producing this spectacular and stunning reproduction of “The Pearl” in an oyster. Kathleen began by drawing a template of her ideas and then using this to begin development of the wire frame and began building upon this to create “The Pearl” in an oyster.

Millinery @kathleenscreativemillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Kathryn Campbell ‘CAPTURED LOVE’

‘Captured Love’ by Kathryn Campbell reflects the essence of endurance, and the satisfaction of achieving what is often unattainable to many….a celebration of 30 years of togetherness. Two offset circles represent an unbroken pursuit. The wearer searches for enduring love through the reflected years of success in the captured hearts. 30 pearlized rods represent 30 years. Pearls between each rod at the brim edge represent the experience of those years…big and small, good and bad. Pearls flow from the crown centre, representing present and future experiences, with love always enduring in the form of the acrylic hearts. Red tulle hearts represent the love captured throughout the years, by which one can measure and reflect upon a life of experienced togetherness.

Millinery @hatsoffhandmadeheadwear

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Kim Johnson ‘SWEET PEARL’

The theme ‘Pearl’ celebrates The Millinery Association of Australia’s 30th Anniversary, so let’s celebrate with a cake! Kim Johnson’s inspiration for this piece came from a bundt cake she had that was delicately decorated with cachous; she loved the swirls and gentle flow it showed while the cachous look like pearls. Kim made a flat pattern form the bundt cake tin, eight sections were needed. The base was blocked in sinamay, wired and then shaped from round to oval. The satin was cut into eight sections, woven into each other and sewn onto the base. The pearls give accents to the valleys of the swirls.

Millinery @gljandkim

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Kylie Heagney ‘GRACEFUL PEARL’

Kylie Heagney’s inspiration for her 2024 MAA Design Award came from the focus on capturing the meaning of a while pearl. To her, that is ‘Elegance, purity, peace, flow, beauty and love’. These themes inspired Kylie to design a piece that has a beautiful flow and calmness that exudes grace and beauty.

Millinery @kylie__heagney

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Leteisha Knecht ‘SOUL MYSTIC’

Leteisha Knecht’s approach and inspiration to this theme was to incorporate pearls and a floral element within her piece in a modern way, as she loves flowers and by by adding a classic embellishment on the pearls to create a unique piece. She began by choosing a block that was a fun little heart shape to represent the love of millinery and why she loves to create unique pieces. She then started to create this wire sculptural design to show the heart shape and added the floral element with the feathers to create a floating effect around the eye, adding a sense of mystery, and to create the floral flow throughout the design to complement and balance the eye design. Pearls were incorporated into the design to reflect a strand of pearls that became loose within the flowers, with a monochromatic colour palette with a contrast of red to create a pop and add drama to the design. Leteisha’s intention was to create a piece that took a different aspect by adding the eye element and to also create a fun design, exploring different materials that complement each other well.

Millinery @leteisha_millinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Linda Ford ‘ON THE WINGS OF A DOVE’

Pearls represent Purity, Wisdom, Innocence, the idea of love. Doves share similar attributes – Purity, Love and Peace. Linda Ford was drawn to design a piece using both pearls and a dove. The idea of a Dove flying with a string of pearls grasped in its beak and flowing behind encompasses the PEARL theme. The Dove has been hand carved and the wings shaped before being covered with hand cut nagoire feathers and adorned with the pearls strung on wire to give the illusion of the dove in flight.

Millinery @linda_ford_millinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Lisette Margini ‘STAIRCASE TO THE MOON’

When visiting Broome for her ‘Pearl’ anniversary, Lisette Margini witnessed the staircase to the moon. Each motif represents the moon, waves and reflection of the moon on the water. The colour chosen is ‘Harbour Blue’ to reflect the sea at night and the joined XXX, or 30 in Roman Numerals, is curved to reflect the waves.

Millinery @ziapazzaheadwear

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Mary McCann ‘FLAME OF THE SEA’

Pearls are prized for their calming properties and are regarded as a symbol of peace, loyalty, and everlasting love. These factors make them the perfect gift for a 30-year anniversary. In addition to drawing success and prosperity, pearls are thought to protect the wearer and are connected to knowledge and strength. Mary McCann’s abstract design (inspired by the recent NSW South Coast fires), evokes the shimmering embers of flames in the moonlight. Crinoline creates waves that encapsulate a sinamay pearl lying within a mollusc. The focal pearl gem is complimented by lustrous pearl beads.

Millinery @marymccannmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Mary Mohr ‘FAMILY RECOLLECTIONS’

Pearls hold special significance for Mary Mohr’s family as her grandfather was the skipper of a pearling lugger working off the coast of Broome. He loved the life on the spectacularly beautiful and remote coastline, but it was also a period of great turmoil and sadness caused by World War I being fought in Europe. Mary’s headpiece was blocked in a pearl shell brought back by her grandfather. The white pearls represent the beauty and wonder of the pearls and the sea while the grey pearls are in memory of family members who lost their lives or were injured during this time.

Millinery @marymohr

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Michaela Manning ‘MOTHER OF PEARL’

Mother of pearl is inspired by the origin of the pearl being an iridescent multi coloured coating on the inside of the pearl oyster shell or mollusc. The underside of Michaela Manning’s hat brim, brim edge and hatband fabric represent the iridescent mother of pearl. The black of the hat is inspired by the outer colour of the oyster shell. The pearl beads are sparsely attached around the hatband as pearls found in the ocean that are not farmed are reasonably rare.

Millinery @michaela_m31

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Michele Cameron ‘NACRE’

Michele Cameron’s inspiration came from the fabric itself. The beaded tulle reminded her of the colours of ‘mother of pearl’. Michele has named her piece ‘Nacre’, also known as mother of pearl. It forms the inner layer of the shell, and it is the material pearls are composed of. Michele chose the block shape as it is like a pearl tear drop, and used a sisal straw to form the base. The base was then covered with 3 layers of fabric, a lightweight satin, pink tulle and finally the beaded tulle. The trimming is made from ombre crin and is gathered and swirled into the finished shapes. Additional beading was applied to the swirls and the base to create a sense of unity in the piece.

Millinery @michelecameron00

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Nayana Nilmini ‘GIFT BOX’

Inspiration for Nayana Nilmini’s design came from the treatment and painstaking process of forming an exquisite pearl. “Gift Box” contains honeycomb-shaped compartments with 30 freshwater pearls to symbolise 30 years. The distinct shape of every pearl tells us a story about the various challenges and successes each year brings. The honeycomb represents how it has all been held together with teamwork, bond and commitment. Red symbolises sacrifice, courage and love. In the end, the giftbox represents the preciousness of the whole and dedicated to any kind of bond which celebrates a 30th anniversary.

Millinery @nayanamillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Neil Grigg ‘SATELLITES OF PEARLS’

Neil Grigg began with the glowing vintage straw cloth and imagined a swirl of fabric on the head and one end coming loose to fly away. Feathers to reinforce and balance, and the white pearls sweeping around the piece to bring the hat and theme together.

Millinery @neilgriggmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Nicholette Pottier ‘NACRE – MOTHER OF PEARL’

The pearl is formed of layers of Nacre which are a crystalised substance formed within the oyster. Within that is a biomineralization process which is its inception. Nicholette Pottier’s headpiece is a representation of the creatives, with varying styles and aesthetics, that have formed the Millinery Association of Australia over 30 years. Many layers of individuals becoming a community of fragility, strength, friendship, positivity, support, encouragement, education, a celebration of fine workmanship and excellence.

Millinery @nicholette_pottier

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Oksana Carerri ‘THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER. IT’S UP TO YOU TO FIND THE PEARLS’

Oksana Caretti was always fascinated by the shape of seashells. And a pearl is a beautiful thing that starts its life inside the oyster shell. So, the idea of creating a hat block in that shape came naturally. She used the technique of modifying the hat block with the use of modelling clay and thought that the pastel felt would be the best material to accentuate the wavy groove structure of the shell. The beaded cluster represents the beginning of the pearl life and the bigger pearl strands coming down the grooves symbolise strength, beauty, resilience and wisdom.

Millinery @oksanacaretti

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Possum Ball ‘WARADA (WARATAH)’

Pearl is the traditional 30th anniversary gift and Warada (Waratah) is the official floral emblem of the state of NSW. By combining the timeless elegance of pearls with this vibrant and haunting beauty if Waratah flowers, Possum Ball created a hat that represents the theme as well as having a truly meaningful NSW homage as the host state. Pearls symbolise purity, sophistication and luxury and have been treasured throughout history for their luminous beauty and timeless allusiveness, making them the perfect choice for the 30th anniversary competition theme. Possum used pearls sparsely to add refinement to the aesthetic appeal of her hat which embraces the elegance of the pearl theme through the use of the traditional Dior brim shape. With the addition of Waratahs to her entry, her intention was to pay homage to the rich and natural beauty of New South Wales. These native flowers also hole significant cultural and symbolic importance to our First Nations peoples. Their striking crimson blooms represent strength, vitality and resilience, reflecting the spirit of the Australian landscape. The combination of the Dior hat shape, pearls and the Waratahs celebrate a fusion of elegance and local heritage and reflect the vibrant beauty of the landscape.

Millinery @possumballmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Rachael Hart ‘GOOD GIRL PEARL’

Simplicity and illusion of texture inspired simplicity in design, driving the focus to precise execution. Tubed stocking stitched velvet yearn enables seamless construction, gentle gathering fluidly hugs the crown’s blocked dome silhouette. Rows of year cradle seeds of pearls sprinkling sparkle. Relaxed casualness lost in the addition of 3-dimensional pearl constructed tassle formations atop the piece. “Pearl” evoked a ‘Bad Girl Pearl’ concept, though there is something about the softness of the white that purified the ‘Bad’ within all of us thus creating the ‘Good Girl’ perception. “Good Girl Pearl’, softness, internal light filtering within and out.

Millinery @rachaelhartmillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Rachel Henry ‘A GIFT D’ART’

Rachel Henry had a vision of crafting a headpiece that embodies the sentimental value of a keepsake gift. This headpiece would serve as a timeless heirloom, perfect for celebrating a 30th anniversary, often referred to as the “pearl” anniversary. Pearls have long held significant symbolism in Russian culture. To bring her vision to life, Rachel drew inspiration from the exquisite and meticulously crafted Faberge eggs. These jewelled masterpieces were crafted by Russian Emperor Alexander III as gifts for his beloved wife, adding a touch of opulence to her design.

Millinery @rachelhenrymillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Sandra Forrester ‘ANASTASIA’S POOL’

Anastasia’s Pool is Sandra Forrester’s entry un this year’s Millinery Australia Design Award. Her inspiration is the love story of Gantheaume Point in Broome (one of the world’s largest pearl industries) Anastasia’s Pool. In the early1920s an ex pearl diver, Patrick Percy, became the lighthouse keeper on Gantheaume Point…During this time he modified a rock pool that filled with sea water, each day he would carry his beloved wife Anastasia up to the pool so that she could bathe in the sea water to ease her severe arthritic pain. Pearl…is the symbol of LOVE.

Millinery @hats_by_sandra_joy

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Sandy Aslett ‘PEARL ESSENCE’

Commemorating 30 years of the association’s dedication to the art of millinery, Sandy Aslett’s entry is inspired by the timeless beauty and mystique of pearls. The pleated fabric evokes the smooth, flowing contours of a clam shell, providing a modern twist to this natural form with flowers of the sea encrusting the pearls. This design symbolizes the pearl’s journey through three decades, blending tradition with contemporary elegance and honouring the enduring legacy of pearls.

Millinery @sandyaslettmilliner

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Sue Walsh ‘PEARLS – GOLD OF THE SEA’

Sue Walsh loves working with jinsin. A saucer made from pleated jinsin reminiscent of a shell. Pearls are precious – the gold of the sea, hence her use of gold pearls in the centre of the ‘jinsin shell’. After pleating the jinsin and creating the saucer base, Sue blocked the saucer to give its final shape. She then created a centre piece from the sinamay to which she handstitched the pearls. The entire piece was then assembled and a double headband was covered with braid and trimmed with pearls and finished with a hand painted ostrich quill.

Millinery @suefascinating

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Tammy Gill ‘PEARL TOPPER’

Tammy Gill’s concept for this piece was to encrust a classic hat form with pearls and crystals to create a sense of lustre and richness. The use of pearls in the hat relate to this year’s theme ‘Pearl’. The hat is an ornate bejewelled showstopping headpiece, akin to a royal crown. The wirework techniques used allow the flexibility to create the desired classic top hat shape.

Millinery @tammyleegill

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Tracey Tau ‘HAST THOU KNOT FORGOTTEN?’

The original inspiration for Tracey Tau’s piece stems from a jaunty old Dutch song called “Parels Rijgen” by Dorus Manders. The translation in English – Stringing Pearls. The song tells a story about someone who feels like they have spent their life painstakingly stringing pearls onto a thread…that sadly had no knot on it. The meaning behind the lyrics being that no matter how hard you work, or how beautiful are the pearls that may come your way, living life without a good foundation to build upon will mean your efforts may be a waste. Constructed as a pillbox with rigid sides, the entry depicts a string of pearls cascading in a pleasing flow on the surface, however as the pearls reach the edge, there is no knot to provide a foundation for them.

Millinery @tooalimillinery

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement

Wendy Diggles ‘SPLASH’

Splash is inspired by the only gem that comes from the ocean. It represents a large pearl being cast back into the sea from whence it came. Spray, foam and bubbles form in the splash made from distressed and manipulated hand tinted crin. Wendy Diggles’ pearl is made from two half spheres blocked, wired, covered and beaded. To fit, she cut, inverted and wired the base. The various colours and AB crystals represent the lustre and play of light and colour of the pearl’s surface. The textures reflect the layers of nacre laid down over time, not all pearls are perfect.

Millinery @belle.follie.lifestyle

Photography @wendellt

Makeup @thehomesalonsydney

Model @jayde_pollard from @bellamanagement