Jo Peterson

About Jo Peterson

Jo is a multi award-winning millinery designer based on Melbourne’s beautiful Mornington Peninsula. She is known for her classic yet distinctive approach to headwear design under her label, Jo Maree Millinery. When her love of maths collides with her passion for millinery, she creates hats and headpieces with a truly unique flair.

Her recent achievements include:

• Top 10 Finalist: Lillian Frank AM, MBE Millinery Award, Melbourne Cup Day 2025
• Melbourne Fashion Week: ‘Boldly Different’ Gallery Exhibition 2021
• Top 10 Finalist: Millinery Australia’s Design Award 2018, 2019 & 2021
• Winner: inaugural Stephen Jones ‘Patrons Pick’ Award 2019
• Best Millinery Exhibit: Melbourne Royal Show 2016 & 2017
• Top 20 Finalist: Oaks Day Millinery Award 2015
• Best Hat: Millinery Australia Student Encouragement Award 2014

Jo began her millinery studies at Melbourne Fashion Institute in 2013 and subsequently completed a Certificate II and III in Millinery at Kangan TAFE in the following years. Guided by renowned Australian and international milliners, she has continued to expand her skills through workshops and specialised short courses. As a result of this ongoing professional development, her millinery practice remains contemporary while her distinctive design style continues to evolve.

Alongside her creative endeavours, Jo has actively contributed to the millinery community through her involvement with Millinery Australia. During this time, she served as a committee member from 2019 to 2026, including the role of Secretary in 2023 and was the founding editor of the Association’s newsletter, ‘Millinery Matters‘.