Milliner gets tech-nical

Only months after the debut of her casual and formal headwear label, bespoke milliner Ann-Maree Willet has launched a webpage and secured several high-profile commissions for the upcoming Melbourne Cup and the Lord Mayor's Ball in Melbourne.
Discovered after wearing her creations during the 2005 Melbourne Cup, the designer said she is still amazed by the rapid growth of her business.
"I went to the cup to have a bit of a look at the styles and fashions that were there when I was approached by these incredible looking twins who were agents from the Melbourne Fashion Incubator. They loved my designs and offered to sponsor me as part of the program. It's been a whirlwind of events since that November."
Leaving her teaching career at the age of 40 to pursue her own label, Willet has recently received commissions to design for the CEO of Melbourne Central Shopping Centre and the Victorian Racing Club Staff for the upcoming Melbourne Cup.
"The response from Melbourne has been amazing and alongside these commissions, I'm making trips there three times a year for the Loreal Fashion Awards, Mercedes Australian Fashion Week and of course, the Melbourne Cup."
Handmaking every hat from a range of vintage jewels, feathers, sinamay, felt, silk and pearls, the price for her creations ranges from $100 to $700.
"I always suggest that clients choose the hat first and then the garment they wish to wear," she said. "This way, you can create much more impact. I design for confident women who wish to make a statement with the hat being the focal point rather than just an accessory."
Willet hopes that her newly established webpage, hatsbyannemarie.com, will continue to develop the business.