Spring Event Season

As the Spring season sets in, many Melbourne women are gearing up for the Spring Carnival with two important accessories on their minds - shoes and hats. For two days only, Peter Sheppard is teaming up with two of Australia’s leading milliners Louise Macdonald and Lauren J Ritchie, to showcase their latest creations - 6-7 October.

Who’s Chie beyond her creations - Portrait of Chie Mihara

As the Spring season sets in, many Melbourne women are gearing up for the Spring Carnival with two important accessories on their minds - shoes and hats.

The Spring Carnival is not just about the excitement of horse racing but also fashion and style and the chance to indulge in the captivating world of fashion theatre. The Carnival's undeniable influence has led fashion enthusiasts to embrace the tradition, leaving their unique mark on the track. According to Melbourne Milliner Louise Macdonald, ‘When we dress, we’re making a creative statement about ourselves: the colours, the style, dressed up or down, it’s an expression of our personality’.

While footwear is paramount for aesthetics and comfort, it is with headpieces that women can be daring and express their individuality. Milliner, Lauren J Ritchie believes that ‘Headpieces are a way to showcase your style. They complete your outfit, and when great care is taken to put together an outfit you love, with attention paid to how the dress, hat and shoes play together, there is nothing better”.

The History of Millinery

The word 'millinery' originated in Milan during the 15th and 16th centuries. At that time, hats made of delicate materials such as felt, straw, and fabrics were popularly crafted. These hats were called "Millayne bonnets," hence the name 'milliner' came about. As time passed, hats evolved into an essential fashion accessory. Milliners utilise various techniques to shape the hat base and adorn it with feathers, fabric flowers, beads, lace, quills, and more. The beauty of these headpieces lies not only in their elegance but also in how they reflect the wearer's mood and personality.

For centuries, hats have been an essential fashion accessory for women, appearing in books, movies, and fashion-savvy heads. Many believe that, like footwear, beautiful headpieces can elevate an entire outfit through the art of millinery.

What styles are in fashion this season?

Adding a hat to your outfit can be a great way to enhance your overall look. With different styles and materials available, you can experiment and express your style. This season, the following hat styles have been deemed must-haves for your collection.

Panama hat

The Panama hat can be either straw, felt, or fur with a soft crown and curved brim, popularised in Panama City in the early 1800s.

Fedora hat

The Fedora Hat is a classic choice with a high, supple crown and broad brims that can be lowered down at the front. Some versions also feature a decorative band to enhance the overall appearance. The hat is adaptable and can effortlessly elevate any outfit with a touch of sophistication.

Cloche hat

The Cloche Hat was originally a women's fashion statement from the 1920s. This stylish hat boasts a unique curved shape, and fewer flaps, and is created using thinner materials such as felt, straw, or silk.

Floppy hat

The Floppy Hat is a popular choice for women due to its adaptable design that features a spacious crown and broad brim. It is typically crafted from straw or felt, which lends it a weightless feel and enables it to assume various forms with ease.

Bucket hat

The Bucket Hat was introduced in the 1920s as a stylish alternative to traditional floppy hats for women. It has a unique bowl shape and a structured brim around the crown's contour, which gives it a modern look. It is typically made of wool, suede, or felt and features an embroidered band to complete its design.

Cowboy hat

The Cowboy Hat is a widely recognised and iconic style for women's hats around the world. It is typically made of materials such as felt, leather, or wool, depending on the wearer's preference. The brim is broad and flat, often with embroidered details along the top edge for a refined finish.

Straw hat

The Straw Hat is a timeless accessory with roots in Ancient Greece. It's lightweight, durable, and great for protecting your face from the sun.

Bowler Hat

The Bowler Hat is a beloved style among women today. Its classic shape features downward curved side brims and a small, embroidered band that completes the look. To ensure durability, this hat is crafted from sturdy materials such as felt, wool or leather.

Hat with feathers

The feather hat has become one of the most sought-after fashion accessories featuring a flat brim that sits atop the head, providing excellent protection from the sun while adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Beret

Women who value versatility in their fashion choices should consider the Beret as a stylish option for both formal and casual occasions. Originating in France during the 19th century, the Beret was created as a modern alternative to the traditional Coco hat.

Topper

The top hat was created in France in the 1920s. It has a unique, striking and elegantly styled shape – consisting of a round body embellished with a small round band. The top hat has short brims and a decorative bow underneath the elastic at the top that can be used to secure the hat.

And the final word…

Hats allow you to explore new possibilities and infuse excitement into your fashion choices. Embrace a playful approach and venture out of your comfort zone. However, it's important to remember that the same rule applies to shoes and hats - comfort is key. Therefore, ensure you choose a well-fitting hat that will complement your style and keep you comfortable all day.