Neva
Hallam

The look began with a statement piece: an asymmetrical hat by Melbourne milliner Stephanie Spencer, exquisitely embroidered with silk flowers. Unearthed on a second hand marketplace, the original design featured an ivory silk tie, but with my blonde bob it felt a touch too traditional. I contacted Stephanie who made a bespoke black silk plait, transforming the hat into something strikingly modern. Balancing its drama, the dress by Arrange (sourced via ASOS) delivers an unexpected harmony of bold stripes and florals. Its offbeat pairing felt like the perfect counterpart to the hat, elevating it from a forgotten treasure in the cupboard to the star of a considered ensemble. Accessories, curated from my own wardrobe and borrowed from friends, added the final layer. The final look is effortless, contemporary, and accessible, proving that editorial polish doesn’t have to come with an extravagant price tag.