Past winner: 2022 Millinery Award

What year did you win, and in which category? 
I won the Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award in 2022. 

Tell us about your winning look. 
My winning design was called “Flow”. It embodies the flow of night into day, dark into light, boy into girl. It was designed to be worn by anyone who loves it, regardless of gender. My design was worn by a beautiful man named Brodie. 

How long did it take to create? 
I don’t like doing things at the last minute because that kills my creativity. I’m a perfectionist, so I need time to get everything together to a level I’m happy with. The hat always takes some time to design and assemble. It’s all hand-stitched and took a couple of months for the design and construction. I used Jinsin, a fibre that allows me to create sculptural works of art. You can’t block Jinsin, so I had to get creative with making the crown. It was fiddly work, but it paid off in the end. The only thing that was quick about the process was finding the perfect model. I knew I wanted a male model from the start, but I didn’t expect someone so perfect for my design! Even his hair was the perfect colour! 

How long have you been involved with racing or FOTF? 
It was the fifth time I had entered the millinery competition. I had previously come in third place and placed in the top 10 before my win. I love how the competition pushes me to create a special piece! 

What went through your mind when you were announced the winner? 
Competing, I knew my design would either be loved or hated! I told my model that we will come first or bomb out completely. I believe that I am the first milliner to use a male model! It was a risk, but I wouldn’t do it any other way. Not everybody would be so receptive to my boldness. When they announced my design as the winner,  my model and I were jumping up and down with joy! I don’t think there’s ever been such a surprised and excited winner! 

Is millinery your profession or a passion project? 
I’m a photographer by trade. When I’m inspired to create, I make millinery in my spare time. Doing things this way keeps me loving them and keeps my creative soul satisfied. 

Has winning opened new doors? 
Through my win, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to be part of the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective in collaboration with Fenwicks. They asked me to create a work of art to be housed in the Royal Ascot Museum and to be sold in Fenwicks. I created a piece called Idle Peace – a peace dove that has turned its back on the world and let it go to war. I attended Royal Ascot in 2023 for the week as their VIP. That was an amazing experience! 

What makes Flemington’s FOTF competition stand out? 
The fashion competitions at Flemington are world-class. There’s really nothing like them anywhere else in the world! This is where everyone brings their best fashion foot forward. Sponsorship for the fashion events is starting to dwindle, but the competition still remains strong. I do hope it continues well into the future, as it’s a source of excitement and inspiration for so many. 

Has the win influenced your style? 
My style hasn’t changed much since my win. I continue to create works of millinery art as well as my traditional pieces. Working with quality materials is always a must. I love that Flemington urges designers to design with sustainability in mind. I try to use deadstock materials to promote and support sustainable fashion. 

Will you enter again? 
Yes. I’m so excited about my entry this year! It’s a little different from what I’ve done in the past. With this one, I’m putting my millinery and dressmaking skills to the test. It’s definitely sustainably focused, and it’s going to be beautiful! 

What’s your advice for new entrants? 
Please just enter! Every entrant supports the competition and helps keep it alive! Go with what excites you and what you love to create! Don’t make something that you think is going to win. It’s all so subjective! Ultimately, you’re already a winner when you’ve made something you love.