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How did you become interested in millinery?
The story began in England in the late 1980s. I was living in London at the time and working in a completely different profession when I started doing an evening class in millinery. My day job did not require much creative expression so I was keen to unleash that through hats! I had always been interested in fashion and textiles.

Where did you learn millinery?
At evening classes with Rose Cory [who created hats for the Queen Mother] in London; at Wimbledon School of Art, also in London, where I studied costume and specialised in costume millinery [view photos].

How long have you been a milliner? Where did you start?
I got my first job as a milliner in 1990, with a period costume company in London. I made hats for film and television productions: BBC dramas [Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion and The House of Eliott], Merchant Ivory films [Howards End, The Remains of the Day and Jefferson in Paris], etc.

Can you mention some of the actors who have worn your millinery creations?
Tom Cruise in the movie Far and Away, Vanessa Redgrave, Emma Thompson and Helena Bonham Carter in Howards End, Minnie Driver [Mr. Wroe's Virgins], Nick Nolte [Jefferson in Paris] and Jennifer Ehle in Pride and Prejudice. Recently Melissa George [Grey's Anatomy] wore one of my creations in the Melbourne Cup, Australia (photo on the right).

How long did you stay with this company?
I worked with this company for 5 years before returning in 1995 to Melbourne, Australia, where I set up my millinery business. Now I work from my studio in Melbourne. Each year, in March, I travel to Dubai with a specially designed range of hats for the Dubai World Cup (the two last photos on this page were taken in Dubai).

Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
I get inspiration from the fabrics I use. I'm always on the look out for different materials to design hats and fascinators. Garage sales and hardware stores can reveal some interesting treasures. I also draw inspiration from historical work I've done.

Who are your customers now?
The Dubai World Cup and the Melbourne Cup (Australia) punctuate my year with regular race goers, women working in the racing industry and people heading off to the event for the first time – all coming to me for hats and fascinators. Weddings are also another event that can require a beautiful hat. Brides and mothers of brides and groms come to me for a beautiful bespoke hat for their special occasion.

What are your recent projects?
I recently launched my millinery collection for the Dubai World Cup. I was at the BurJuman Centre in March 2010, presenting them at the International Millinery Exhibition.

In November 2008 I was delighted to be awarded 3rd prize in the Professional Millinery competition at Spring Racing Carnival 2008, in Melbourne, Australia. I was also a finalist in 2009.

In 2009 I created a "Fans of Louise Macdonald Milliner" on Facebook to gather my millinery students and hat wearers.

In early 2010, I was featured in The Hat Magazine. This English publication is distributed internationally, and I felt honoured to be included in such a well respected magazine. The editor, Carol Denford, wrote: "Everything in the studio is made by hand, the finished work is exquisite, it is feminine and light, personal to the wearer, detailed and has a kind of movement particular to her label." [view details]

I have had a magical partnership with Melbourne's Hugo Boss since 2005, where I create elegant and contemporary one-off designs for Boss Woman for spring. These can be seen in one of Hugo Boss's shops in Melbourne each September and October, in the lead up to the Melbourne Cup.

Do you have a ready-to-wear range?
I have recently launched my online shop of Whimsies. Stunning, smaller headpieces that fit any head size, sit securely (so won't be blown away on windy days), suit all face shapes and can be worn on any angle to suit. An additional benefit is the perfect size of the Whimsy, if you are intending to travel – no large hat box required. Whimsies are suitable for any occasion; weddings, evening races, parties and many more events on your social calendar. You can also purchase my current range of hats online or have them customised.

Do you teach millinery?
This is another rewarding part of my work – sharing skills and inspiring students to express their creativity. I run regular workshops in Melbourne, Australia, that are a creative and fun experience for all. I plan to start offering short courses in Dubai soon. Please join my mailing list to receive further information when it arises.

How would you describe your style of hats?
Elegant and quirky that relate well to the head!


(updated in March 2010)

Millinery collection
Ready-to-wear pieces
Made to measure
Trends and tips for the Dubai World Cup
Photo gallery – International Millinery Exhibition
Photo gallery – Dubai World Cup

Enquiries
For more information, please contact Louise Macdonald Millinery.