Ann Kavanagh is a new milliner of exceptional talent. Having studied since 2000 with eleven of Australia’s recognised milliners and her attendance at the International Millinery Forum, Wagga Wagga in 2007, Ann is now launching her own design label, “It’s an Ann K”.
Ann’s love affair with hats began as a little girl living in the Western District. Her aunt, who is now 90, was a milliner in Warrnambool for 50 years and had a major influence on her passion for hats and textiles.
Whilst living in Canada from 1986 to 1999 she studied Japanese floral arranging (Ikebana) which also influences her designs.
Currently working from her studio in Central Victoria, she creates millinery for every occasion. Ann’s artistic expression is abstract and she describes herself as more of a Picasso in style, producing three dimensional, wearable art.
In July 2008 at a Hat Weekend Event at the Shelmerdine Winery in Tooborac, Ann launched her Spring Collection.
Ann has been selected to be part of the Christmas exhibition at the Johnston Gallery in East Melbourne and is currently working on her creation. The exhibition will run from October 2008 to February 2009.
Having studied with Waltraud Reiner of Torb & Reiner since early 2007, Ann has a wealth of knowledge to draw from. One specific tip by Waltraud, which Ann has adopted, is that “the trim must always look like it just landed on the hat”.
Ann’s goal is to become a member of The Millinery Association of Australia and showcase her Spring Collection at the “Hatstravagance” at Flemington in 2009. |
