Our Milliner feature this week is on Cessiah Alice, a milliner from Hobart. She is now officially a full time milliner with a new huge home studio being built!! … and she needs it with the amount of incredible hats she turns out each week!
Cessiah’s style can be described as vintage with a modern twist. She loves flowers, they are seen in many of her creations and loves the elegance of a simple, well crafted headpiece.
Cessiah has been a member of Millinery Market since 2017, you can find a wide variety of her stunning one of a kind hats for sale. Below Cessiah shares with us some of her favourite milliner moments and experiences.
First experience with Millinery (what got you into hat making)?
My very first experience would have been about ten years ago making small headpieces for my Mum, Victoria Henderson, to sell in her shop, Ruby & Leo. In 2012 I completed my Certificate II in Millinery at the Gordon Institute of TAFE with Mum. The course was one day a week for a year and it was taught by the talented Rebecca Share.
To begin with I wasn’t sure that millinery was going to be for me, but about half way through the course it just clicked and I fell in love with it! In 2015 I got married and moved to Hobart and that’s when I officially established Cessiah Alice Millinery. I am now a full-time milliner!
Favourite hat you’ve ever made?
It would have to be the custom crown I made for Ellie Sheridan for Myer Fashions on the Field last year. Not only was this piece fun to make, but Ellie was the finalist for Tasmania! It was so cool seeing my creation on stage alongside the other amazing finalists on Oaks Day. Definitely one of my biggest achievements to date. I loved the colours, flowers, shape and overall look of this headpiece, especially when paired with Ellie’s fabulous outfit!
The hat that took you the longest to make?
There was a hat I made during my studies at TAFE that was a very unique shape and had a ribbon which was hand sewn around all the intricate nooks and crannies of it. I felt like I was never going to finish it! And probably took me longer as I was still learning and had hardly used a needle and thread prior to this! It was also one of my first pieces of millinery that I sold!
Favourite Milliner Moment?
Ohh…I have a few! Ellie in Myer Fashions on the Field was a big one for me. But another huge moment in my millinery journey was when Milano Imai purchased one of my pieces! I was actually on my way to work when she messaged me to ask if there would be any chance of receiving it in Queensland the next day. I managed to get someone to cover me for the afternoon at work so I could go home and package and post it and luckily it made it to her in time! It was so special to see Milano wearing my piece so beautifully with one of her many fabulous outfits!
Favourite material to work with / signature style?
My signature style I would call “vintage with a modern edge”. I love working with vintage straws – you just can’t get them that same incredible quality anymore.
When I find a beautiful vintage straw hat in an op shop I get so excited and always text Mum straight away! I have a couple which will be made into new pieces for my SS20 Collection. I’m excited to give them a new life!
This parisisal facehugger has been hand dyed to the perfect sage green color. It features a crinoline swirl and beautiful vine winding its way around the headpiece. A double wound elastic secures this piece to the head.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555387
Mrs Orchid fascinator will always stand out in the crowd. She features a fuchsia pink signature crest (with silver back) with hand made bubblegum pink and red orchids cascading down the right side of the face.
You can gently squeeze or stretch the headband to adjust to the tightness at which you would like to wear it. The small teeth at the front will hold it in place for all day wear.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555192
A beautiful black pleated satin rear facing pillbox. Handcrafted red and green velvet flowers and leaves. Easy to wear with elastic and comb. Autumn/Winter millinery Essential.❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555240
A stunning bright red lace wide brim hat. Designed to perch on the head to one side, making it a one size fits all piece. The hat measures 52cm in diameter.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555202
Ivory sinamay saucer hat, 16 inch. Ivory statement feathers, with beautiful vintage inspired statement silk flowers. Attaches to the head via hairband.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555255
Circular beret percher hat of colorful grosgrain ribbons, hand embroidered cross-stitches. This fascinator looks simple but was technically quite challenging to create. I made the fabric by interlacing ribbons, carefully measuring to the millimeter and then stitching to secure. Featured on the cover of Hatlines hat magazine, Winter 2021!
Measurements: 7.5 in diameter (19 cm)
Hat Box: 12 in
How to Wear: Worn on right side of forehead. Secures with custom headband and metal comb.
Hand cut iridescent feathers fitted to a tulle covered narrow headband.
Designed to be worn on the right hand side of the head. Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555172 . . . #millinery #hats #hathire #millinerysale #hatrental #hatsforsale #millinerylove #millinerydesign #hatlover #headwear #springracing #melbournecup #springcarnival #racedaystyle #fascinators #headpieces #hatsofinstagram #fashionheadwear #millinerytrends #hatobsession #hat #millinerymarket #millineryhire #derbyday #oaksday #fascinator #fascinatorhire #boaterhat #flowercrown
The Claudia Boater features a tall square crown with short flat traditional style make from a patterned straw with petershame ribbon hat band.
This style is best made to order with your headfit and is helped to stay on the head with an elastic.
This piece is part of the Collins Spring Collection and is perfect for many occasions, select your Claudia Boater today.
The headpiece comes in other colours or can be custom-made in various colours. Contact us to find out more about customising this style. Please allow 2-4 weeks lead time for a custom order.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554040
Sylvie - Green Halo Headpiece with Statement Flower 💚$339
Part of the SS23 Collection, this statement headpiece features a blocked straw crown with statement foam flower and two tulle wrapped halos, fastened by an elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554929
Taino - Fuchsia Button Base with Raspberry feather flower £220
A stunning Fuchsia sinamay button base sits under a delicate Raspberry handmade feather flower with a green ostrich quill for the stem and green diamond cut feathers for the leaves attached to a hat elastic so you can position anywhere on your head.. The fascinator does come supplied with a hat elastic NOT an Alice band.
Part of the SS23 Collection, this one-off design features a rear-sitting hand-blocked vintage raffia pillbox with handmade silk abaca bow, fastened by an elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554935
Black & White Houndstooth Pillbox Hat with Large Bow - Fleur $320
A black & white Houndstooth patterned Pillbox hat with a large bow. The classic pillbox shape is complemented by the striking Houndstooth pattern, adding a touch of sophistication and refinement. The large wired bow on top adds a glamorous touch, making this hat a statement piece.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Fleur hat is designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit. It is attached with hat elastic, ensuring it stays in place throughout the day. The one-size-fits-all design offers convenience and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of head sizes.
Complete with a complimentary hat box, the Fleur hat is perfect for special occasions.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554712
A rambling rose gracefully winds itself around this blush tinalak headband. The sparkling stem adds a beautiful eye-catching effect. Dramatic and elegant, this versatile piece is ready for your next event!
Hot Pink Mini Boater 💗 $275 Pale Pink Mini Boater 💗 $275
This hot pink mini boater is fun to wear.
Constructed from hot pink sinamay, it is trimmed with pink Swiss braid and hot pink wild crinoline.
Measuring approximately 25cm across, this mini boater is positioned on the head with hat elastic. If preferred, the hat elastic can be replaced with a velvet ribbon trimmed headband.
Light and very comfortable to wear, this is ideal for spring racing or elegant wedding guests.
This pale pink mini boater is fun to wear.
Constructed from pale baby pink sinamay, it is trimmed with Swiss braid and pale pink wild crinoline.
Measuring approximately 25cm across, this mini boater is positioned on the head with hat elastic. If preferred, the hat elastic can be replaced with a velvet ribbon trimmed headband.
Light and very comfortable to wear, this is ideal for spring racing or elegant wedding guests.
Monique Saucer in Textured Straw Silk Poppy Flower Trim in Yellow $620
The Monique Sauver is a gently curved saucer shape finished with matching patent braid on the under edge leaving a smooth top and rich silk poppies that are hand-painted in-house. This style is one size fits all and is secured to the head with a shaped wire headband, elastic and comb.
This piece is part of the Manchester Spring Collection design for a Raceday but is perfect for many occasions.
Each hat and headpiece can be made in other colours to match your Spring Racing outfit. Contact Lauren to find out more about customising this style. Please allow 2-4 weeks lead time for a custom order.
Pieces are handcrafted in the Lauren J Ritchie studio in the Manchester Unity Building in the heart of Melbourne on Collins Street. Hats and headpieces for race days and special occasions can be shipped across the globe.
Photoshoot Credits Millinery by Lauren J Ritchie Millinery Dress supplied by Veronika Maine Model Molly Richardson Photographer James Christie Media Stylist Joel Parkinson Videographer Ben Christie Films Jewellery JMS Diamonds
Hand dyed ombre organdy roses sit atop this lavender boater. A touch of sparkle edges the crinoline trim, giving a glam touch to this monochromatic look. A double wound elastic and hair comb secure this one size fits most piece.
Matilda - Blue Hugger Headpiece with Feathers $259
Part of the SS23 Collection Part II, this statement piece features a hand-blocked knotted straw hugger base with a twisted feather branch, fastened by an elastic.
Part of the SS23 Collection Part II, this statement piece features a sparkle fabric covered hugger base with a twisted feather branch, fastened by an elastic.
Our Melody fascinator will always stand out in the crowd. She features two metallic wire halos dotted with purple beads and exclusive glass blown beads that loop around our classic lilac crest.
You can gently squeeze or stretch the headband to adjust to the tightness at which you would like to wear it. The small teeth at the front will hold it in place for all day wear.
Our Mrs Gabriella fascinator is exquisite and superior in every way. She features exclusively designed dahlia like metallic wine and bubblegum pink flowers on a pastel pink stem. They are carefully perched one of our iconic golden crest crowns.
You can gently squeeze or stretch the headband to adjust to the tightness at which you would like to wear it. The small teeth at the front will hold it in place for all day wear.
Our Mrs Simay fascinator is exquisite and superior in every way. She features exclusively designed silver flowers that blossom over a silver crest. Her spirally floral stem is scattered with hand wired metallic beads that are perfectly perched giving her depth and charm. Her name means `silver moon`. She is a real showstopping headpiece.
You can gently squeeze or stretch the headband to adjust to the tightness at which you would like to wear it. The small teeth at the front will hold it in place for all day wear.
PINK LEATHER HEADPIECE WITH HANDCRAFTED FLOWERS 🌸 $425
Look stunning with this beautiful Pink all Leather Teardrop headpiece with flowers and feather quill! Handcrafted using a wooden hat block to create this teardrop headpiece, it is crafted from leather using Paris Net in a striking Pink leather flowers and features a feather quill to compliment the headpiece even more!
With a petersham bow as an insert, a black hat elastic to secure on your head comfortably and a beautiful cotton liner.
The headpiece arrives packaged in a hat box with acid free tissue paper and hat box shipper for extra protection.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554954
Part of the SS23 Collection Part II, this unique piece features a handmade lilac straw hugger base with embellished floral and leaf embroidered lace, fastened by an elastic. Very light and comfortable to wear.
Its so fine because of the shine.....Front facing percher with the most amazing sparkle from the black braid. Black and white flowers just add to the drama.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554950
Part of the SS23 Collection, this statement headpiece features a blocked vintage straw crown with statement wired leaves and three feather flowers, fastened by an elastic.
This gorgeous high shine navy velvet fascinator is topped with shimmering silver flowers and a crinoline trim. These perfectly complimented colors are an elegant statement perfect for your next event. A double wound elastic secures this one size fits most piece.
Beautiful buttery soft tan Nappa leather beret sprinkled with white pearls. This versatile color is easy to wear and the double wound elastic secures it snugly to the head.
Liberty, a one-of-a-kind handmade coral pink parisisal pillbox hat. This piece features a large, delicate complimentary bow. Designed to fit all head sizes comfortably, `Liberty` comes with a complimentary storage box to preserve its beauty.
Introducing `Sabela,` a one of a kind Dior style brimmed parisisal hat in the most exquisite cobalt blue shade is the epitome of sophistication. The hat is skillfully complemented with navy accents, creating a striking visual contrast.
The true showstopper of Sabela is the stunning handmade metallic cobalt blue flower trim. Each delicate petal is adorned with preciosa crystal centres, sparkling and shimmering beautifully when they catch the light.
Sabela is designed to fit all head sizes comfortably, featuring a fitted hat elastic for a secure and effortless fit. It ensures you can wear this luxurious hat with confidence, knowing it will stay in place all day long.
To add to the luxurious experience, Sabela includes a complimentary hat box, providing a safe and stylish storage solution for your treasured hat.
Perfect for weddings, garden parties, or any event where you want to make a stylish statement.