The wonderful world of hats, if only we wore them more

Louise Macdonald is a milliner based in Melbourne, with a studio in the beautiful Nicholas Building on Swanston Street. I spent some time learning the wonderful art that is millinery from her. It is still such a great art form using techniques that they used traditionally, instead of it been too heavily influenced by modern technology, which usually encourages quantity over quality. I love the hands on process of millinery, building a hat from a flat material and moulding it into a unique and interesting shape. The vintage wooden hat blocks with all their character, covered with holes from the many pins that have been previously stuck in them, makes me enjoy the fact that I like others, have the chance to create with them. Who knows, maybe one was once used by Miss Coco Chanel herself? Ok, so probably not, in any case Louise Macdonald is inspiration enough. Check out her beautiful original pieces on her website. And if you have the chance, take one of her courses, I did and loved it!