I was invited to attend the Kangan Institute’s 2010 Milliner Soiree with guest speaker and original Australian supermodel during the 1950s and 60s Diane Masters . What a fun and frivolous evening it was!

I have always loved hats but never really had the opportunities to wear them much. I must admit I’ve never been to the Races! Partly because of work and partly because I’m not fond of betting on animals. But I’ve collected a pile of vintage head pieces in the past and thought I’d dust one off for the event. However I left home in a rush so I ended up wearing a bow and fishnet head band from Alannah Hill- not a milliner but a creator of all things colourful and ultra-feminine.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet the beautiful and stylish Diane and hearing her deliver her lovely speech in a posh British accent about etiquette in the 1950s. Apparently it was taboo to be on the streets NOT wearing a hat! How times have changed! She taught me an insider’s tip to wear a headband under a hat that’s too big. She quoted Coco Chanel by saying that just as perfume is the best compliment for a lady’s outfit, so is the perfect hat.

I’m wearing a vintage flapper dress with fringe detail. I haven’t worn it since my 21st birthday (a long time ago!) so it was good to give it an outing!

Look how amazing some of the hats were! The pink creation is just amazing. So is her jacket!

Kangan fashionable students modelling each other’s creations. Team spirit! Don’t you love their safety-pin dresses! I would so wear one to the Races…

The highlight of the night was meeting one of my favourite Melbournian milliner Ann Shoebridge (2nd from left). Such a stylish lady and her headpieces are heavenly sweet. Check out more of her creations here.

I met a beautiful young fashion designer student who had the most amazing hand-made necklace, completely from safety pins! Man how long would that have taken her!

Here’s my best friend in the entire world- my husband and I sharing a moment in front of our SLR baby. This event has increased my love for hats a thousand-fold. Expect to see more hats in my posts!