Melbourne milliner Wendy Scully has been creating fabulous hats and headpieces since 2012. Her sculptural designs, often made of vintage materials, are so good that she has become one of the few full time milliners in Australia.
“I am a visual arts and textiles teacher, having taught in high schools for over 34 years,” explains Wendy. “I started making hats after moving to Melbourne from Sydney in 2011, as a way of finally getting to work on my own artistic process.”
According to Wendy, the making is important, but it is just as important for her work to be seen, which is why she launched her eponymous brand.
“Hat makers need to show and share their work, it is meant to be worn, so I needed to try different outlets from markets to a retail space.”
INTERNAL INSPIRATION
Wendy says she is inspired by herself in the main, but also by the materials she uses and the vintage styles of traditional, modern headwear from brands like Dior.
“Each piece I create is a one-off, bespoke original design with the focus on the vintage fabrics and trims I use. The brand aesthetic is modern, wearable, high fashion and unique. I don’t make multiples of anything — one colour, one shape, one trim.
“I usually make custom orders but I also make a collection each Spring season, and I also create pieces for weddings.
“I am one of the very few full time milliners in Australia.”
Wendy also creates pieces for international clients and some Melbourne fashion designers. Working from her CBD studio, Wendy also collaborates with established stylists, creating millinery pieces for photo shoots. She also does an annual runway show featuring her stunning creations.
STUNNINGLY SUSTAINABLE
One of Wendy’s signatures is the use of gorgeous, vintage fabrics, especially those from France and Japan. She also has a stock of precious vintage trims.
“I keep my use of base materials to their simplest forms,” says Wendy. “I avoid mass produced materials, in fact, some of my materials are 100 years old. I make everything by hand.
“I also teach interns how to make hats, keeping to the traditions, and to continue the craft.”
As for the future, Wendy says that she vows to “keep going, keep making, and to continue teaching the craft.”
For more information about Wendy Scully’s work, go to wendyscully.com. You can make an appointment to visit her studio at Suite 208/227 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000 via wendy@wendyscully.com, and follow the brand at @wendyscullymillinery
Discover more amazing Melbourne talent in our Stories Section.
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