Hats Have It: International Millinery Forum 2014, Beads and Braids

Beads and Braids were the favourites on my mind for the International Millinery Forum in 2014, yet let me confess I am no where near a Millinery, try to be or even compare myself to the Millinery superstars of my fellow delegates, but I will just tell you I love and appreciate everything in exactly the same way.

Many ladies were telling me on the first day. “It is easy to spend $1000 here”. That is easy and the delicious trims and bling that we had to choose from dating back to the 1920s had me gob smacked. Trust me, my husband is going to be looking at me very strangely when I arrive home with metres (Yards) of Swiss braid and Vintage sequin samples that I have no idea how to use and just want to frame.

I am planning on telling him that it is an investment. “Yes, like a home”.

I think sequins and Swiss braid are a better investment right now than any apartment, Hmmm, we all know the stories there.

The International Millinery Forum has delegates from Interstate and around the world and such a wonderful amount of haberdashery that no one could compete. In fact if you have fabric, or haberdashery, I would be investing in a table for the next forum.

I don't know if there is something in the stiffener that makes us all bring out our credit cards or if it is just retail therapy, but it is all in good fun and we are loving the spirit.

In talking of spirit at the International Millinery Forum in Wagga Wagga Australia, there have been beautiful friendships made and a general happiness in the air of all that we are sharing an art that will fade if we are not careful.

The tutors are sharing their knowledge and as delegates (students) and tutors engage we are all learning. Even talking delegate, one to another, we are all sharing and telling stories.

The fact is we are sharing something that is fading due to technology and that is conversation, communication and understanding. This is one of the most important parts of society to me. Communication. Although my classroom days of dyslexia and fear of the teacher are that of the past, I now cannot wait to enter the classroom an make new friends, share ideas and learn from 'Master Milliners' of our time.

There is so much more to come, but enjoy these fabulous beads from the 1920-30s and beautiful Swiss Braids. Anna. x