Meet the Milliner: Wendy Scully

What styles are defining millinery this spring?
There’s major interest in rear-sitting pillboxes of all sizes, covered in plain or textured fabrics. White is popular. I also make quite a few rear-sitting halo brims.

Are there any standout colour or material trends this season?
Chanel-style textures, both plain and in checks, are popular, as are vintage straws used as surface textures across a range of shapes. For those not wanting a Chanel tweed, there’s a swing toward bold block colours like navy, rust, and sunset red. Hand-dyed pastels with ombré tones are coming through and textured blocks and satins are also trending.

Are clients leaning more toward timeless styles or bolder pieces?
Most still gravitate to traditional styles of buttons, bandeaus, headbands, and pillboxes, including both rear-sitting “donut” shapes and the more structured, forward-sitting boxes. Big brims can look great in photos, but they’re not always practical for indoor or all-day wear. Classic Dior coolie hats are always in demand, in both narrow and wide widths. Some FOTF entrants go for sculpted feather headpieces, but they’ve been around for a few years – we’ll see if they still dominate. From what I’ve seen overseas, smaller buttons or percher styles with trim, and classic downturn brims, are in.

When planning a race day look, should you start with the outfit or the hat?
Some clients come in with a dress, and we work from there. Others start with the millinery, and we build the look around it. It’s about finding the right balance to suit the outfit, the client’s face, and what feels comfortable all day.

What’s your advice on matching hair to hats?
I prefer a low bun at the back. Hair worn out tends to take away from the hat’s profile and affects the visual balance with the face shape.

Best advice for managing your hair on the day?
Don’t wash your hair that day – and use lots of hairspray.

Any common millinery mistakes you see on race day?
Wearing a black hat on black hair.

What makes a truly great race-day hat?
It should blend with the outfit – neither should dominate. Too much hat or too much dress doesn’t work. You want a beautiful profile and clean shape. Not a dog’s breakfast of competing patterns!

What’s one surprising detail most people wouldn’t know about millinery?
It can take hours or even days to craft a single piece. A good hat should be light and wearable, with careful attention to construction. I only ever make one of each design. I work with Japanese vintage fabrics and vintage trims. My current favourites are a set of original Dior hand-painted silk leaves. I haven’t used them yet – they’re my special “babies”.

Racegoers can meet milliner Wendy Scully on course at Flemington this spring, with appearances on Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day and TAB Turnbull Stakes Day. It’s the perfect chance to chat with her about the latest trends and discover exquisite millinery and statement accessories from some of Melbourne’s finest designers - just in time for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.