| THE RACING CARNIVAL
IN MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA IS ONE PLACE WHERE THE
FASCINATOR REIGNS SUPREME – THIS ONE WAS
WORN ON CAULFIELD CUP DAY
If you want to know what the Aussies
think of their headwear read on:
“Be IT made of feathers, straw or ribbons,
the fascinator is continuing to prove a hit among
the fashionable at this year's spring racing carnival.
Milliners say demand is still strong three years
after the fascinator burst on the scene as an
alternative to a hat at the races.
Julie Fleming has been making fascinators and
hats since 1989 and believes wearing a touch of
spice in one's hair is economical and practical.
"Fascinators are a lot easier to wear,"
she said. "You don't have to ruin your hairstyle.
"For someone with a lot of hair, it's so
much easier than trying to fit a hat over the
top of everything.
"The only thing is you don't have the shade
that a normal hat would have."
The popularity of fascinators among young people
with little money to spend is another reason milliners
give for their enduring appeal.
While tailored hats are available for upwards
of $2000, fascinators can be snapped up for as
little as $30.
"We've made a lot of headbands this year
with orchids on them, and the price point is definitely
an issue for some people," Ms Fleming said.
"It's an easier way out. Mind you, a fascinator
can cost $300 and there can be just as much work
in them."
In Ms Fleming's range, the most expensive fascinator
- fine individual feathers wired together - sells
for $610.
Milliner Kim Fletcher sees the fascinator as
an important item that has helped introduce thousands
of young women to hats.
"They've been fantastic for our industry,"
she said. "A lot of young people go to the
races now, and fascinators are a good starting
point for them."
Jasmine Bingemann, business manager for footwear
and accessories at Myer, said there was no sign
of a drop in enthusiasm for fascinators.
"We've had very good sales of fascinators
and head pieces, especially among our more youthful
customers," she said.
"But we've also had a tremendous surge in
hats, as well."
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