Here is a brief report for those who are interested but could not attend the annual Melbourne International Millinery Competition (MIMC), February 2020.

The preparation started months and months before the gala show. This year the theme was The Recycling. The milliners were given the task to create a hat, literally speaking, from waste which usually goes into the yellow recycling bin.

However, this format created an unexpected and interesting spectacle. Milliners from different countries demonstrated some very real ‘think outside the box’ creative entries for the competition. There were 86 exhibits. I would have never thought that a hat can be made out of cans, toothpicks, cocktail straws, plastic bottles, pineapple packaging wraps or bread bag ties!

Anyway, less text more photos.

Perhaps, the hat above should be pair with this tea-party hat by Sinead Howard (Australia)

There are some hats which I could not identify from which sort of waste are they made of, but I think they look spectacular (left to right: Katrin Juchems (Germany) and Christine Lee (Australia)

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Left to right: Ani Choubouk (Australia) and Geannie Todaro (Australia)

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The event started with a cocktail party where you met and chatted with the designers, judges and caught up with some old friends.

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In the beginning of the show, the organiser and the heart and soul of the event, Catherine Ellen (The Essential Hat) gave an opening speech greeting contestants and spectators.

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The speech was followed by a catwalk.

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Left to right: Antonio Guardiola (Spain) and Kerry Hayes (Australia)

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Left to right : Jo Honan (Australia) and Katie Allen (USA)

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Left to right: Oksana Garetti (Australia) and Possum Ball (Australia)

In the end : Ta-da! there is the top eight

And Ta-da! again: the winner is Andrea Cainero (Australia) with her felt hat decorated with cable ties and bobby pins

If you want a closer look at the winning headwear and hats of other participants, follow the link below the official MIMC page here https://mimc.com.au/?fbclid=IwAR3ztXaLO2hYr_2wjxzQSb7ilLdKNbCS8Kvop_DeF4AcKvSiimp-WYAaBdg