General News
11 October, 2023
Renowned milliner puts fashion on display
NOORAT’S Georgina Conheady has put her decades of millinery experience on display as racing season approaches.
NOORAT’S Georgina Conheady has put her decades of millinery experience on display as racing season approaches.
Ms Conheady has been working as a milliner, or hat-maker, in Melbourne for more than 25 years.
She returned to her hometown around five years ago to be closer to her family but never lost the flair she had developed for her creations.
Ms Conheady said she had been lucky enough to have the opportunity to use the old Noorat Public Hall, opposite the Noorat Hotel, to put her hats on display.
The display could not have come at a better time with the Spring Carnival in full swing, the Mortlake Cup right around the corner and the beloved fashions which accompany the season remaining a highlight for so many.
“I have around 20 hats on display which includes a range of hats people can try on and decide they like the brim and crown,” Ms Conheady said.
“I have always enjoyed working with people to cater the hats to their outfits, customising the piece to complement their shape or outfit with a headpiece.
“There are two windows at the hall – one with my hats and another open up to artists to exhibit work on a monthly period, which currently features patchwork quilts made by a lovely lady who is in her 90s.”
Inside the Hall, Ms Conheady is hard at work doing what she enjoys most; putting a smile on people’s faces when they have their new hat fitted.
She has already received a few orders ahead of the Spring Carnival, and welcomed the opportunity to work with people to find the perfect compliment to their outfit on race day.
“I love flowers and floral designs, and design the flowers by hand,” she said.
“With each hat I try to incorporate sculptures and textures so there is a lot of movement and vibrancy.”
Ms Conheady began her career studying studio textiles in Warrnambool, creating woven and screen-printed fabrics in children’s hats.
She was intrigued by a six-week course on millinery held at the Melbourne School of Millinery, and never looked back.
“Following my study, I was offered a traineeship with Waltraud Reiner,” Ms Conheady said.
“She’s definitely a talented lady, who now travels around Australia teaching millinery in a Winnebago.
“She is someone who enjoys spread the joy of millinery, and someone who I learned a lot from.”
From there her career grew not only in clientele, predominantly budding racegoers and bridal parties, but also in capacity as Ms Conheady began teaching.
“I began working throughout Melbourne and gradually ended with enough to work to begin working on my own,” she said.
“Between I was teaching at various different colleges in Melbourne.”
Most roads tend to lead home, and Ms Conheady is relishing the opportunity to share her work with her home town community.
If you’re interested in viewing the hats on display or want to find the perfect piece to compliment your race day attire contact Ms Conheady on 0411 600 157.