The Myer Millinery Award is one of the most prestigious millinery competitions a milliner can enter. It is held in Melbourne, Australia during Melbourne Cup week.
Each year milliners are invited to partake in the millinery award to showcase their design flair and skill by creating a millinery piece to show off on stage and be judged by a panel of industry experts. Milliners don’t hold back, spending months planning, sketching and designing to create the most extravagant, unique, structural masterpieces to compete for the title. One of the highlights of Melbourne cup week is definitely watching the millinery award competition.
This year with Covid restrictions, the competition was run a little differently to usual, taking on a digital format.
Milliners were asked to create and construct a millinery piece, provide a video diary outlining the creative process, photograph the completed piece on a model or a mannequin and finally submit a portfolio featuring an overview of their millinery brand, a lookbook of images showcasing past work and any media coverage.
They were asked to keep a diary during the whole creative process, as the top ten milliners selected in the competition would have the opportunity to show their video to be judged on, in the running to win the highly coveted winning title. The finalists and their videos can be seen here.
The winners for the 2020 Myer Millinery Award were Stephanie Spencer first place, Angie Jackman 1st runner up and Belinda Osborne 2nd runner up. In this post we hear from Belinda Osborne from Peacock Millinery, but be sure to keep an eye out for future blog posts featuring Angie and Stephanie…
Belinda’s award winning entry was made from just two materials to highlight there can be a complexity in simplicity, exploring style and shape to create a piece that provides a 360 degree experience for onlookers as well as an immersive experience for the wearer- without a doubt one of the most spectacular hats I’ve ever seen!! Read about Belinda’s story below.
Interview with Belinda Osborne from Peacock Millinery
Tell us a little bit about yourself, where you live and your signature style.
I’m Belinda, an Australian Headwear Designer and the milliner behind the label Peacock Millinery. I live in Darwin, Northern Territory. A born and raised Territory girl, much of the inspiration for my designs comes from my life in the Top End, its unique flora and fauna and sensational landscapes.
My signature style? That’s always a hard one for me, as to me my designs are all so different it’s hard to lock in a particular signature style. I would say my design style is modern, innovative and embodies a structural beauty. If I had to give it a name, I’d say ‘contemporary elegance’. Elegance requires refinement and cleanliness. A design of mine could be edgy, feminine, playful, or classic in style, but it will always have clean, contemporary lines and awareness of space.
Image: @peacockmillinery
How long have you been a milliner for and where did you learn, or are you self-taught?
I made my first hat in 1999 for myself for the Darwin Cup. Around 2006 I started making pieces for friends and family. My mother was a milliner in the 50s and 60s, and I learnt a lot of skills from her. When she passed away in 2009 I realised I wanted to keep learning and I attended my first Millinery Convention and did a week of workshops in 2010. I purchased my first set of hat blocks at the convention and set off with a whole new outlook towards millinery and experimenting with my new skills. Apart from a few workshops here and there over the years, I am predominantly self-taught.
How many times have you entered the Myer National Millinery Competition and have you placed before?
It was my 7th time entering the competition this year. My first being 2014. I have been a finalist and placed three times in the seven years. 3rd in 2015, 2nd in 2019 and 3rd this year.
Belinda’s 2015 and 2019 entries.
Describe your winning piece and where you got your idea / inspiration?
My piece was inspired by the contrast between light and dark, and shadow art. It showcases traditional wirework techniques and multi-layered reverse stenciling. I chose to work with only two materials (millinery wire and tulle) to highlight there can be a complexity in simplicity.
I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. I wanted to explore style and shape, and make a piece that provides a 360 degree experience for onlookers as well as an immersive experience for the wearer.
The main part of the design is the four feminine faces. Each face is made up from multiple intricately cut reverse stencils. Each specially designed stencil had to be cut from tulle, then placed on top of its corresponding layer to create the multi-layered reverse stencils. The end result is an image of a face that almost looks like a black and white photograph, except it allows light to pass through. The denser the layers, the deeper the black colour and the less light can pass through.
Did you face any challenges when creating your piece or have to learn a new skill?
There’s always challenges when creating something new. I actually had the concept idea last year for the Millinery Association of Australia’s 2019 Design Award which had a theme of “Chiaroscuro” (an effect of contrasted light and shade). I was too busy to make it though, so thought I would use the idea for the 2019 Myer Millinery Award.
I made one of the faces, but then scrapped the idea as I thought the design concept of the tulle layers just wouldn’t be fully appreciated when viewed from the distance that the judges are required to sit from the runway. It needed the right competition, so I shelved the idea. When VRC announced the 2020 Millinery Award would be virtual, I knew it was the right competition.
The multi-layering stencil technique is something I haven’t done since my high school art classes, but that was with screen printing, not reverse stencils.
I wanted to use tulle. Getting the right depth of contrast in the tulle was difficult. Also, the cutting out of intricate areas using tulle and then trying to line up the layers proved to be a bit of a nightmare.
How many hours did it take to make and what will you do with your hat now?
Many hours. I didn’t actually keep a record of exactly how many hours, but I’d say somewhere in the vicinity of 30-40 hours for making and many thinking and designing hours.
I have kept all my Myer Millinery Award entries. I love them all. It will go into storage with the others. I’d love to have an exhibition of all my pieces and their stories one day.
What did you think of the competition being held via a fully virtual format this year?
The virtual competition was interesting to say the least. There were two parts to the competition. One, the first round was to submit a series of photos, and two, if awarded a place in the Top 10, a video diary detailing the design, its techniques and your inspiration was required for judging.
It changed the competition in a good way by allowing those in the top 10 to have a voice and provide further details on their design. Something that has never been done previously. I often hear after the Millinery Awards from participating entrants that they wished the judges could have viewed their entry close up. Or, that they wished they could have provided more detail to the judges about the techniques they used. I felt it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to do this, and it was so interesting watching the video diaries of all the finalists.
I really do hope that we will all be able to show off our 2021 entries on the stage at Flemington next year. But I also think having the video diary included somehow would be lovely so as to feature all the hard work put in by the entrants.
Thank you so much to Belinda for taking part in this interview and sharing a little bit about herself and her spectacular creations.
Keep an eye out for the next interview with 1st runner up winner Angie Jackman. By the way, if you’re interesting in seeing the millinery award winners from previous years, check out this post.
LIV HEADBANDS 💗❤️ $110
Elegant and easy to wear headbands in a variety of colours for all occasions all year round.
Padded headbands covered in Lycra with matching horizontal pleated crin.
Once size fits all.
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Crystal ✨ $150
Beautiful feathers on this headband
Perfect colour for any time of the year
All hand made
A one off piece.
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Mar 15
ESPRESSO MARTINI 🍸 $380 AU
Neutral and black. Perfect for derby day or any occasion. Classic elegant style Comfortable and easy to wear.
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Mar 15
Pink Silk & Feathers 💗 US$285
Pink silk teardrop beret with light pink feathers.
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Mar 15
Black Felt Crown with Swirl 🖤 $450
Black felt crown with swirl overlaid with white, 3-D mesh.
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Mar 15
EVIE✨ $295
Gorgeous, elegant and quirky is this Bottle Green Fur Felt Bandeau.
Green bandeau covered in shiny black diamante' mesh, softly falling down on left hand side of the face, just adding a little extra. A beautiful Green bow also covered in black diamante' mesh,...
Mar 15
CHIC🤍🖤 $450
Stunning and very Elegant is "Chic" a Vintage Beret in black fur felt. Sits tilted on the right hand side and bow on the left softly around the face.
The Large structured wired Bow is in the most gorgeous hounds tooth material that shimmers in the light,...
Mar 15
REBECCA💚 $150
Beautiful green Australian wool face hugger fascinator
All hand stitched no glue used
Comes with headband for comfort on head
Perfect for the autumn to winter races
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Mar 15
Jeannie- Ruby Red ❤️ $410 AUD
Stunning Vintage Fur Felt Ruby Red beret , is sure to turn heads.
Trimmed with Gold chain around the crown, Ruby veiling softly swept around the face, finished with two side bows and a beautiful antique Owl brooch
Perfect any Winter ...
Mar 15
Cherry Blossom 🌸 $275
Translucent Cherry blossoms in pink and yellow. Baby pink stamens, all set upon a metallic gold wrapped headband. Gorgeous from every angle.
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Feb 2
Dililah crown 👑 $175
Whimsical shades of rose gold and pastel pink hand cut metallic flowers floating above one of my iconic sparkly jeweled crowns. *Kenzie stud earrings sold separately.
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Feb 2
Starburst ⭐️💫 $395
Stunning Pale Orange Parisisal headband with beautiful hand dyed and wired yellow guipure lace flower, also a hand cut Peach metallic flower and diamante' sitting in the middle finished with two curled peach quills.
This gorgeous piece is divine from ...
Feb 2
Mandarin Marvel $295 🍃
This piece looks good enough to eat 🍊🤤
Orange/Mandarin transparent coloured flowers together with beautiful mint green leaves, which have all been hand embossed. Pearl and gold centres with a gold metallic thread wrapped headband. Altogether ...
Feb 2
Beaded Headbands $80 🤍
Available in 👉🏻
Vivid Orange
Lilac
Pearl
Turquoise
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Jan 16
Lucy Bow Bandeau 🤍❤️ $310
This Gorgeous Parisisal Red Bandeau sits the most stunning vintage Cream structured Bow.
Perfect for all occasions
One size fits all and finished with a comb and elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554276
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Jan 16
Red and Pink feather halo ❤️💗❤️ $500
Amazing halo style, made with tiny feather tips.
The front colour combination is reversed on the back of the halo
Teal and white quills and a touch of beading.
The halo is made on a light gold wire multi layer ...
Jan 16
Magenta Magic ✨ $295
Magenta ....The Pantone colour of 2023. This beautiful front facing percher in Magenta Sinamay, adorned with iridescent flowers in deep wine and gold. A single raffia wrapped quill adds the finishing touch.
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Jan 16
Black Magic 🪄 $325
Front facing percher in black sinamay with mesh overlay. Fine black tulle brim completes this stand out headpiece.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554253
Jan 16
Gold 3D Percher 💫 $550
Hand woven gold 3D percher with a peephole.
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Jan 16
Venus Leather Headpiece ❤️ $149
The Venus Headpiece is hand crafted from layers of individually cut, wired and shaped leather leaves in a bright red tone. Secured to a leather covered wire headband and designed to frame the face.
Available at ...
Jan 16
Musk Rose Headband 💐 $260
Musk Rose Headband - Such a soft delicate headband in musk pink sinamay with hand cut roses in white, cream and tipped with burgundy. Twisted quills add some height.
On a velvet wrapped headband, for comfortable all day wear.
Available at ...
Jan 16
Sunny Leather Headpiece☀️ $149
Hand cut and shaped yellow leather leaves on a leather covered halo headband.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554216
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Jan 16
Hepburn jewelled Halo 💙 $100/wk
Baby Blue blocked halo with silver & blue jewels.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554288
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Jan 12
Hepburn Halo with red & gold jewels 🤎❤️ $110/wk rental
Latte coloured blocked halo headpiece adorned with red & gold jewels.
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Jan 12
Hepburn Halo - Yellow with jewels💛 $100/wk rental
Gorgeous blocked yellow Halo style hat/headpiece
Adorned with yellow, green & gold embellishments.
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Jan 12
Funky Ruby Fedora ❤️ $320
Funky Ruby Fedora - Ruby red parisisal straw with a wide sweeping hand sculpted sinamay brim. A simple black egret feather trim is all that is needed to finish this piece off.
As the block is not a usual head fit, this is on a headband for a secure and...
Jan 10
YELLOW BANDEAU ☀️ $100/week rental
This Gorgeous Parisisal Yellow Bandeau is covered with exquisite diamante mesh,the stunning large Cream vintage bow sits on the right side finished with a yellow centre also covered in diamante mesh.
This beautiful piece will sparkle in the ...
Jan 10
Pink Feather Vine 💓 $350
Hand made Pink feather flowers on a vine mounted on a small black lattice over pink, half bandeau base secured by elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554277
Jan 10
🔹Summer Blues🔹$375 AU
Baby blue straw fedora crown is surrounded by a handwired tulle covered brim, metallic blue braid adds the final finish. This piece has something for everyone.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554286
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Jan 10
Claire Headbands 🧡💛❤️💚💙🖤
$110 each
Which colour is your favourite?🌈
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554132
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Oct 12
Harlow 🧡 $240
A hand-blocked orange vintage cellophane base, featuring a matching orange veiling adorned with peach stamens for added texture and interest.
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Available at ...
Oct 12
FREYA 💜 $240
A hand-blocked bandeau of buntal straw, she's adorned with a matching large handmade leather bow.
She has two small metal combs to secure her in place along with a hat elastic.
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Oct 12
NUDE BOW 🎀 $150
A nude/ blush colored silk abaca bow on a headband with pearl trim.
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Oct 12
DERBY DAY HATS 🖤🤍🖤
Derby day is just weeks away! Have you got your race day hat?
Check out our range of hats available for rent or buy.
SWIPE across to see a collection of our favourite black and white hats!
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Oct 10
GREEN FLOWER TRAIL 💚 $250
Green flower trail- fitted to a tulle covered narrow headband. Can be worn on either side of the head.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554189
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Oct 9
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Secure her in place with the attached hat elastic.
Available at ...
Oct 9
Gold Headband 🤎 $180
Hold fabric covered slightly padded headband trimmed with a diamanté bow.
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Oct 6
PEARL HEADBANDS 💫 $99 each
PINK GLITTER PEARLS 💓
BLACK & GOLD PEARLS 🖤💛
PERFECT PEARLS 🤍
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Oct 6
🌹 RED ROSE 🌹 $250
Red roses fitted to a tulle covered narrow headband with a small comb.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554185
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Oct 6
Lavender flower headpiece 💗 $280
Handmade lavender silk flowers atop a headband with veil detailing.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554187
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Black & Gold Embellished Wide Blocked Halo Headband - Zoe 🖤 $320
A black wide headband measuring 6cm high, covered in a textured black metallic mesh and embellished with gold hand pressed metal flower detailing.
One size fits all.
This purchase includes a ...
Oct 6
Big Pinky 💓 $200
Big pink floppy hat. A Classic style hat
Match back to many outfits
Standard head size comes with elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554143
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Oct 4
Purple & Pink Leather Hat - Charlène
$300 💜
A deep dink Italian leather hat in a block design exclusive to Reuben & Rose Millinery with a lilac lace overlay. Adorned with a lightweight purple beaded flower detailing and a purple quill.
Attached with hat elastic for...
Oct 4
OLIVIA SAUCER $620 🖤🤍🖤
The Olivia Saucer is a pitched shape in a buntal straw edged with textured white vintage braid and lush silk poppy flowers. This style is one size fits all and is secured to the head with a shaped base, elastic and comb.
This piece is part of the ...
Oct 4
The most beautiful flower headpieces have just been listed to @millinerymarket created by @uniqueblossomsbyt 😍💓🌸🌺💐
Four floral styles listed- swipe across and comment your favourite 💓
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554156
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Oct 4
Layla Pink Floral Pillbox 💓 $620
Layla is a fun and playful pillbox shape in pale pink straw and is adorned with hat made metallic and beaded flowers.
The headpiece comes in other colours or can be custom-made in various colours. Contact us to find out more about customising ...
Oct 4
MAYA ❤️ $200
A hand-blocked buntal straw skull cap, Maya features a veiled feather vine that can be manipulated to the wearer's content.
Secure her in place with the attached hat elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554176
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Oct 4