Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award

Hats transcend fashion at the racecourse.

Named in honour of one of Melbourne's most celebrated style icons, the Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award recognises Australia’s finest millinery designers who push boundaries and set new standards in headwear.

2026 Competition

Once again, this prestigious award celebrates the enduring art of millinery and its place at the heart of race day style. From timeless elegance to bold contemporary statements, entrants are invited to showcase original headwear that reflects their unique creative vision. Providing a platform to spotlight Australia's leading millinery talent, the award honours the designers whose work continues to inspire and elevate racewear fashion.

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Get Inspired

Discover some of last year's standout entries:

2026 Prizing

  • The opportunity to design a piece as part of the 2027 Royal Ascot Millinery Collective campaign and London Fashion Week launch*

  • $10,000 Flight Centre Voucher

  • $5,000 VISA Gift Card

  • TCL 85-inch C8L SQD-Mini LED TV valued at $4,999

  • A day of hospitality within the Royal Enclosure for 2 people during Royal Ascot 2027 valued at a minimum $4,800

  • VRC Media Coverage valued at $3,000

  • $2,500 Crown Voucher

  • 1 x Case of De Bortoli Melba Vineyard 2019 valued at $1,079.70

  • $1,000 TAB Voucher

  • A Day at De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate valued at $900

  • A year’s supply of Schweppes valued at $500

  • 5 x Lovebasiq Smudge Wipe bags valued at $125

* The winning milliner will secure a place within the 2027 Royal Ascot Millinery Collective. The milliner agrees to create a Royal Ascot design in response to a brief that Ascot will issue in November 2026. The final piece must be delivered to Ascot by 31st January 2027 to be included as part of the campaign shoot and launch event for February 2027. This piece will become part of a permanent collection housed at Ascot Racecourse.

  • $5,000 TCL TV package

  • $1,000 VISA Gift Card

  • A Day at De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate valued at $900

  • $600 TAB Voucher

  • A year’s supply of Schweppes valued at $500

  • 3 x Lovebasiq Smudge Wipe bags valued at $75

  • $5,000 TCL TV package

  • $500 VISA Gift Card

  • A Day at De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate valued at $900

  • A year’s supply of Schweppes valued at $500

  • $400 TAB Voucher

  • 2 x Lovebasiq Smudge Wipe bags valued at $50

Hats Off to You: Submit your Millinery

Millinery Award: Submission Guide

Ready to showcase your design talent on the Fashions on the Field stage? Our Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award Submission Guide contains everything you need to know before entering, including judging criteria, eligibility requirements, key dates and frequently asked questions, helping you prepare your submission with confidence.


ACCESS THE GUIDE

Congratulations to 2025 Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award Winner

Fiona Cooper

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