"It all started back in my teen years when my mother was unable to attend a day at the races.
“I’ll go dad”, I said and off I went to my first race meet at the age of 15.
I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere and the horses racing, but the hats were just out of this world. I was taken by all the beautiful creations and couldn’t wait to go again and try and make something myself.
Every year from then on my father took me to all the meets of the Spring Racing Carnival and each time I put together a design of my own. By the time I was able to attend race meets myself, I was making hats for all my friends.
Making hats is something I look forward to every year; it is like being in my own little world. I only wish more people wore them all year round, like in the olden days as they give so much character to a person.
Since starting my lessons at Torb & Reiner with Waltraud, I have learnt that my Nanna, Lillian Marsh, was a Milliner in Melbourne. I only wish she was alive today so I could show her what I have created and maybe learn from her.
I dream about each design I want to complete next and with Waltraud’s guidance it is exactly what I want. Each design I create I try to make unique and aim for a vintage style and once completed it gives me an amazing feeling.
I only hope one day I will be a leading Milliner in the racing community and can make people happy wearing my designs.
Belinda Walkerden / Wouters |
