paperboard for Eugenie's block workshop

A few people have had difficulty sourcing the required paperboard for Eugenie's 'Patter-based Brim Block' workshop. DON'T PANIC...Waltraud of Torb and Reiner will source this for all students and bring it to the Trade Day on Sunday. If it will ease your mind please do not hesitate to contact Waltraud for pre-orders.

New Seminars

There have been a couple of changes to the seminar line up. Waltraud Reiner will be presenting a seminar on the Business of Millinery, discussing customer service, pricing of hats, placing yourself in the market and the differences between model millinery, semi model and manufacturing. This will be an extremely valuable seminar for anyone taking their millinery hobby to the next level.
In addition i am also pleased to announce that Jaycow will be doing her seminar on Wednesday evening,rather than Sunday. This will make it a more intimate seminar and allow for more interaction and sharing of ideas.
Unfortunately Ian Bennett is unable to present a seminar, however he will be discussing the UK trends at the Trade Expo.
Remember, gold delegates have the seminar ticket included in their fee, however all others will need to pre book and purchase a ticket by contacting the IMF office on 0439 192 193.

IMF Aprons have arrived

Yippee...the IMF aprons have arrived and they look fabulous! The aprons will be selling at the forum for $10 each and will come in handy during workshops...not to mention a great souvenir of your attendance.

I only have limited stock so if anyone would like to pre-order please contact the office on millineryforum@bigpond.com

Only 4 weeks to go....so exciting!!!

Fantastic new seminar at forum

I am extremely excited to announce that QLD milliner Ann-Maree Willett will be presenting a seminar on her millinery experiences in Europe.
Ann-Maree's seminar would be around "Bridging the Gap for Milliners", from training into a work place, business or industry and sharing her experiences around The Churchill Fellowship, showing in Europe and working with Borsalino in Italy. One of the very exciting outcomes for Ann-Maree from this last trip has been an invitation from the Borsalino Foundation to show in The Borsalino Museum in 2009.

Ann-Maree will be announcing a fantastic opportunity linked to this invitation - not to be missed!!!!
Ann-Maree's seminar will be on Monday evening at 8pm.

Share Accommodation available

If anyone is looking for some affordable (and extremely luxury i must say) accommodation for the duration of the forum i can help. Jane Stoddart has booked Macleay Street Apartments for herself and a delegate and they have a couple of beds spare http://www.macleaystreetapartments.com/index.htm The apartments are quite up market and fully self contained...AND they are across the road from Wagga Wagga High School. If anyone is interested in sharing this accommodation please contact the IMF office at millineryforum@bigpond.com and i will assist you with arrangements. This is quite a good offer!!!!

7 weeks until milliners across the globe converge on Wagga Wagga

How exciting...only 7 weeks until the International Millinery Forum commences in Wagga Wagga. I am sure everyone has a lot to think about at the moment and the forum is one of those. To make things easier for you i will be sending all delegates a final information pack in early January, which will contain a list of last minute details, a copy of your workshop schedule and a checklist for what you need to bring to the event. As long as you have your flights or necessary travel arrangements finalised the rest can wait until the 'silly season' is over. Actually, i would suggest you start looking at your material lists to get an idea for what you need to bring to each workshop. These can be downloaded from the website http://www.internationalmillineryforum.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66&Itemid=26
Don't forget that we will have milliner suppliers from throughout the globe at the Trade Expo; this will be a great opportunity to purchase any necessary materials.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any last minute queries.

Customs Warning for International Guests

I would like to suggest that international guests attending the International Millinery Forum do not try to bring Sinamay with them. As i am sure you would be aware our customs are quite stringent and they do not allow sinamay into the country without an import licence.
There will be PLENTY of millinery suppliers at the Trade Expo which will provide ample opportunity to purchase sinamay.

UK Millinery Suppliers at 2009 IMF

Lee from The Trimming Company and Layo from Milliners Warehouse will be trading at the 2009 International Millinery Forum Trade Expo on Sunday 18 January at the Wagga RSL Club.
This is extremely exciting and accompanied by our countries best millinery and textiles suppliers this expo promises to be the best 'one stop shop' for milliners in the country!
The line up to date is as follows...
De Lew Designs Australia
SA Brown Pty Ltd
Torb & Reiner
Blocks by Design
Mimi Millinery
Feather.com.au & Sparkle Bling
The Trimming Company
Milliners Warehouse
Izziana Image Consultants
Megunn Designs & Collections
Origin Elle & Hats by Mimi

UK's Hatwalk organisers at 2009 IMF

Felicity and Fenella of the famous UK event Hatwalk will be attending the 2009 International Millinery Forum. These ladies are extremely passionate about millinery and millinery education, it is great to have them joining us in Oz.
Felicity and Fenella will be giving a presentation at the Trade Expo on Sunday 18 January, informing everyone about Hatwalk and the great project that it is.
For details on Hatwalk see the website at www.hatwalk.co.uk
Maybe we could have something like this in Oz???

Cocktail Party venue confirmed

I am extremely excited to announce that the cocktail party and official opening of the International Millinery Forum will be held at beautiful Borambola Wines. This venue was selected for its spectacular country appeal and views. The majestic homestead stands high on a foothill overlooking the Snowy Mountain foothills in one direction and the rich plains of the Murrumbidgee in the other. The homestead is surrounded by gracious gardens and of course the delicious grapes. Visit the website and see for yourself how perfect this venue is www.borambola.com

Check out guest Milliner Eugenie and her work in the Hat Mag

IMF guest milliner Eugenie van Oirschot from The Netherlands has some fabulous images of her work in the July/Aug/Sept Hat Mag - pages 9 & 10. I think you will agree that she does some AMAZING work!

Tune in to Mornings with Kerrie Ann ~ Friday 26 September 2008

Make sure you are near a television on Friday 26th September and tune in to Mornings with Kerri Ann on channel nine between 9am and 11am. Kerrie Ann will be chatting with IMF milliner Neil Grigg about the upcoming spring carnival, current millinery trends and of course Wagga Wagga's International Millinery Forum.
The IMF will also feature in the Country Style Magazine, Outback Magazine and Hat Magazine, along with various local media in Wagga Wagga and the Riverina.

For those who have not yet registered be quick as workshops are filling fast.

Hong Kong milliner Jaycow to offer exclusive workshop

The IMF is extremely excited to announce that Hong Kong milliner Jaycow will be offering ONE exclusive workshop at the 2009 International Millinery Forum. See below for full details.

Tuesday 20 January 2009
4pm – 7pm
Wagga High School
Fee: $90.00

Headbands with Style
Beginner-Advanced

As a milliner working in Hong Kong, a place where wearing hats is not a common practice, Jaycow had to find a way of getting her creations on people's Head’s!
She came up with headbands....to sneak up on the ladies.
Headbands are an accessory item that almost all people are familiar with and something that milliners can still apply their skills.
In this workshop participants will jump the fence of millinery materials and give headbands a new face lift. Using readymade headbands and a different view on materials, fun and contemporary headbands can be a new version of fashionable millinery.
Jay will have a goodie box with materials such as fancy cords, buckles , crystals , beads and even a curling iron for everyone to whip up something fun and funky.


As a hat lover, Jaycow has always had a thing for finding beautiful hats.
From a nice fitting newsboy cap to a hand blocked fedora, she beams with joy whenever she finds a gem. Working simply as a stylist wasn’t enough for Jaycow anymore. So why not make hats? So she dropped everything, packed her bags, flew to London and learned millinery at the London College of Fashion, as well as from Royal Milliner Rose Corey. Now, Jaycow is a combination of milliner/stylist. With her cut and sew collection, her styling skills are in full swing. Not only does she put together interesting fabric combinations for her designs, she also hand decorates them with love.
Jaycow’s hats are not for people who have bad hair days. They are for hat lovers who have wit, humour and joie de vivre.

To register you must add a note to your registration form and include the $90 fee with your payment. Positions are strictly limited so be quick or you will miss out.

2009 Hat Life Book ~ Get Listed Now!

Commonly called the Encyclopedia of the Headwear Industry, The Hat Life Directory is the world’s most popular headwear reference. This full color directory lists thousands of wholesalers, suppliers and retailers. For over 137 years it has been the must-have resource offering complete information on hat wholesaling, manufacturing, retailing, supplying, emerging trends, upcoming events and new product releases. Directory purchasers receive the printed directory PLUS online access.
Hat Life is inviting millinery forum delegates the opportunity to have a listing in the 2009 Hat Life Book free of charge. This is a fantastic promotional opportunity that will promote you to the world.
All you need to do is forward a short bio of you or your business and a few pictures in high res for the book. Please send as many as pictures as you want to, showing the best and latest designs. Send this to Diane at DFYOGA@aol.com and remeber to tell her you are from the International Millinery Forum.
The deadline is 14 September 2008 - Don't miss out on this fabulous opportunity!

Hat Life Hattie Awards

Diane at Hat life would love to see some Australian millners enter the Hatty awards for 2008. The application process is quite simple and the recognition you receive as winner will be a great boost to any milliner.

Call for 2008 Hatty Award Entries

Join the ranks of the headwear industry's best and brightest, making you - and your work - an industry leader.
Who is Eligible: Any website, blog, headwear designer, importer, supplier, manufacturer or retailer who has made a worthwhile contribution to the headwear industry this year.
Nominations: You can nominate yourself or another company or individual.
Deadline: All nominations for 2008 awards are due September 30th, 2008
Winners: Hatty Award winners will be announced December 1st in our media campaign and will be profiled in the 2009 Hat Life book.

Go to Hatty Award Entries at www.hatlife.com and complete the nomination info.
Questions? Email us at support@hatlife.com or call us at 888.372.8702.

WEBSITE LIVE

The International Millinery Forum website is now live www.internationalmillineryforum.com.au and includes information on tutors and workshops, the forum program and registration information.
Tag it in your favourites today...

Registrations open...and flooding in fast!

Registrations opened on Tuesday 5th August and are flooding in extremely fast - i anticipate some workshops to begin filling within the next week. To regsiter you can go to the website at www.internationalmillineryforum.com.au or contact the IMF office on millineryforum@bigpond.com or 0439 192 193 to receive a copy of the program and registration form.
2009 Milliners
Eugenie van Oirschot - The Netherlands Designer/Milliner
Ian Bennett - London Milliner
Jan Wutkowski - USA Milliner
Jean Carroll - Sydeny Milliner
Liz Evans - Canberra Milliner & Feltmaker
Neil Grigg - Sydney Milliner
Maris Herr - Wagga Textile Artist
Phillip Rhodes - Melbourne Milliner
Jane Stoddart - Sydney Milliner
Peggy Stone - Sydney Milliner
Carol Wilkes - QLD textile artist
Georgina Conheady - Melbourne Milliner
Richard Nylon - Melbourne Milliner
Waltraud Reiner - Melbourne Milliner
Pamela Martin - Wagga Milliner
Bette Fogharty - Melbourne Milliner
All milliners will be offering two workshops throughout the forum - the hardest part for delegates will be selcting the workshops!
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity in Wagga Wagga, Australia!!!!

REGISTRATIONS OPEN 5TH AUGUST 2008

All brochures will be posted on Friday 1st August and the website will go live on Tuesday 5th August. Registrations will be accepted from Tuesday 5th August 2008, with NO phone or email registrations permitted.
There are strictly limited positions in all workshops so make sure you get in quick to ensure you do not miss out!
www.internationalmillineryforum.com.au

Australia's oldest millinery supplier joins forces with the IMF

S A BROWN PTY LTD is Australia’s oldest millinery supplies specialist being established in 1926. It remains family owned and run by family members of the founder, Samuel Albert Brown.
During its 80 plus years the business has undergone many changes. Once being one of the largest wholesalers in Australia of ladies fashion hats ( as well as all millinery supplies ) we see diversification into other fashion accessories in the attempt to flow with trends and competition. In this area we are known as THE HAT STUDIO of Chatswood.
Today the business is focused on enhancing the millinery supplies section to service not only our large list of local and national clients but as a “demand” our international clients as well. Further changes to the original business has seen the establishing of THE HAT STUDIO in Melbourne, where you will find not only all of our millinery supplies but fashion hats and accessories.
S A BROWN PTY LTD is proud to be a Gold sponsor of International Millinery Forum 2009.

2009 Milliners Announced!

The past month has been extremely chaotic with finalising the program and the line up of milliners. I am very pleased with the result and i am sure you will be also. The 2009 milliners are listed below.
Eugenie van Oirschot (The Netherlands)
Ian Bennett (London)
Jan Wutkowski (USA)
Neil Grigg (Sydney)
Jean Carroll (Sydney)
Jane Stoddart (Sydney)
Pamela Martin (Wagga Wagga)
Liz Evans (Canberra)
Maris Herr (Wagga Wagga)
Waltraud Reiner (Melbourne)
Bette Fogharty (Melbourne)
Carol Wilkes (Queensland)
Richard Nylon (Melbourne)
Phillip Rhodes (Melbourne)
Georgina Conheady (Melbourne)

IMF registrations set to open mid July...

In the best interest of the International Millinery Forum the IMF committee has been wound up, with the event now operating under the management of Linda Tillman. Linda will source advisory support from the local millinery community in order to provide a high quality event that remains at the cutting edge of millinery education in Oz.
Following this decision Linda has been busily liasing with tutors, securing venues and finalising the extremely exciting program and is now happy to announce that the ground work is complete and the program is 90% complete, with registrations set to open in six weeks time.
If you are not yet on the IMF database I encourage you to do so as this is your only gaurantee of receivng a copy of the program and being one of the first to register for your desired workshops. In order to make it fair for everyone the registration process will be as follows...
> In the coming weeks you will receive a reminder postcard - if you do not receive one of these directly via post then you can be assured that you are NOT yet on the database.
> In mid July the brochure will be printed and posted to everyone on the database - this signals the offical opening of registrations
> One week after the brochures are printed the information will go live on the IMF website http://www.internationalmillineryforum.com.au/ allowing for on line registration
> All registrations will go on a first in first served basis
There are limited places at the 2009 forum; I therefore recommend that you join the database now to ensure you do not miss out.
Without giving anything away I can tell you that this forum is going to be one not to be missed ~ new exciting venues, fresh tutors, international guest and plenty of fun.
I look forward to seeing you at the 2009 forum...

Exciting Times Ahead...

With the festive season over the International Millinery Forum (IMF) committee is back into full swing with the planning of the extremely exciting 2009 event.

We are proud to welcome aboard our sponsors to date;

Wagga Wagga City Council

De Lew Designs Australia

Blocks by Design

REX Airlines

House of Briar

Chambers Whyte Design & Print

Back Door Cafe

The Hat Magazine

Without these sponsors the event could not go ahead so we thank them for this wonderful support.

Event Coordinator Linda Tillman is busily working away securing our world class tutors for the event. There are some exciting negotiations under way and we hope to make some official announcements in the coming weeks - so stay posted.

The IMF Committee is currently planning some fundraising and PR activities to to be held this year in Wagga Wagga, once again we will keep you updated via the web blog.

The marketing campaign for the event will be in full swing by May 2008, with registrations due to open in June 2008. Remember, there are only limited places in workshops and it will be first in first served. To ensure you do not miss out i would encourage anyone that has not yet been placed onto the mailing list to contact us immediately with their postal details (email: millineryforum@bigpond.com).