THE 2009 WAGGA WAGGA INTERNATIONAL MILLINERY FORUM WAS A REAL SUCCESS

Allana Gregson of Rockhampton Queensland	Wendy White of Bush Buddies in North Queensland

The Forum, that took place in Australia last month, attracted 130 millinery delegates, 15 tutors and 25 exhibitors from the USA, Hong Kong, New Zealand, UK and Italy.

Millinery designers (some who design for luminaries and celebrities) came to share their design secrets and hat-making skills with budding milliners across the country.

Eugenie van Oirschot (from the Netherlands), Hong Kong’s Jaycow, Jan Wutkowski from the US and UK designer Ian Bennett (who won an Emmy award for costume drama and counts Madonna as a client) were at the forum.

In addition to workshops, the program featured a milliner’s trade expo, slideshows, seminars, a cocktail party (at a winery with a beautiful view of the Riverina Region) and a 1920’s Gala De Haute Couture and hat parade.

“The 1920’s gala was absolutely amazing, everyone dressed up in 20’s outfits, the room was decorated in 20’s décor and the local entertainment was phenomenal. It really did feel like you were in the 1920’s,” said Linda Tillman, Event Coordinator for the International Millinery Forum

Information about the International Millinery Forum is at: www.internationalmillineryforum.com.au.