In years gone by, millinery was part of everyday wear. However, with each passing decade, fashion trends became more casual, and everyday headwear transitioned to practical rather than fashionable.
Some may say millinery is a dying art, yet there are those who refuse to let it slip away and are hoping to see it return to mainstream fashion, at least for the more formal occasions.
One such person is Ballarat milliner Alison Morgan. Nearly 15 years ago, Alison decided to pursue her love for hats by completing a qualification in millinery at Kangan Institute, and she hasn’t looked back.
Under her brand Morgan Millinery, Alison creates headpieces for clients to wear to a range of occasions including the races, weddings, business award evenings, and local events such as the annual Ballarat Tweed Ride.
“Headpieces – be it hats, fascinators, halos, or headbands – lift an outfit and make it complete. When you wear millinery, people are going to look, but they are looking for the right reasons.
“They are admiring the outfit in its entirety. It’s a compliment.”
With the arrival of Spring, horse racing in Victoria kicks into high gear and millinery becomes a must-have item for race goers of all ages.
“I love making pieces for the races because there is so much freedom to explore new ideas. Ladies can go as big or as modest as they like and choose from a range of colours, materials, and adornments. Anything goes.
“We have so few reasons to get dressed up anymore. I think after two years on hold, people are going to come back this year with a splash.”
Excitingly, Alison has also seen a shift in bridal fashion in recent times, with more requests for custom pieces from brides and wedding guests. Thanks to social media, Alison’s bridal pieces have been purchased by customers from as far as Switzerland and America.
“In the United Kingdom, everyone wears a hat to a wedding, and I’d like to see that happen here, but it will take time. Millinery Australia, which I’m a member of, is working towards this.
“We’re just not used to wearing decorative hats. Most clients come to me with an idea, and when I put a trial piece on their head, their first reaction is that it’s too big.
“Thankfully, the accessories market is starting to meet the millinery industry somewhere in the middle. Headbands and other similar items are mainstream again. It’s helping to move trends back towards millinery.”
Like any item of clothing, millinery must be comfortable for it to be wearable, and Alison dedicates much time to ensuring that all her pieces fit well and are secure.
“No one wants to wear something that is heavy, or hurts, or that needs constant adjustment. I need to consider how it will sit on the head and how it will stay there. It’s also viewed from every angle, so the aesthetic must be balanced the whole way round.
“Essentially, it’s wearable art. Even the little pieces need to be exceptional, so people know it’s been purposefully hand-made, not factory ordered. You want to walk in confidently knowing only you have that hat.”
A custom piece from Morgan Millinery requires about six weeks so complete and Alison works closely with clients to ensure the result is exactly what they want, or as close to.
“It can happen that the client wants something that isn’t possible, but not often. If we have good communication between us, then we can work it out. I always want to create what the client has in mind. Especially the brides. It’s their idea, their piece.
“It’s good for me to work with clients because it pushes me away from what I like and what I’m used to. Some of my influence as the milliner comes through, that’s unavoidable, but to really make it theirs is the key.”
If you’ve never worn a headpiece, or haven’t for a long time, Alison believes it’s easy enough to start, and there’s no better time than now.
“The key to feeling at ease is to wear your piece around the house for a while and get used to how it feels on your head. Then when it comes to the day, it will seem far more natural and comfortable.
“People who wear millinery to complete their outfit always look stunning. You only need to view the enclosures at Flemington to see that.
“The last two years have been so dull. Now is the perfect time to step out with some flare.”
Customers seeking a headpiece for any occasion can contact Alison via the Morgan Millinery Instagram page. Appointments can be made to view and try her ready-to-wear range or to discuss the creation of a custom piece.
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