The time-honoured Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award was awarded to Cynthia Jones – Bryson for an incredible third time in 2023, affirming her role as one of the country’s top milliners. Although she took home a prize package valued at over $37,000, it is the joy she gets from her work as well as the recognition from her peers that she values the most.
VRC
14 March 2024
Please tell us about the hat: what materials were used, what was the inspiration, what was the process, and how long did it take?
‘Sway With Me’ was inspired by my love of colour and the Michael Buble song Sway. A gentle swaying breeze, a beautiful slow dance and the light playing with the colour of the headpiece. I repurposed materials that I found in travels and have had for many years. From design to completion it was approximately 30 hours.
How does it feel to win the award for the third time? What does this award mean to you, and the millinery industry?
Needless to say I was over the moon, thrilled and excited. It also felt a bit surreal. This award means so much to me as it does to the millinery industry. I am a proud member of Millinery Australia, which encourages and supports all its members to strive for excellence in all aspects of the millinery trade; design, workmanship, relevance to the fashion industry as a whole as well as recognition of our art.
Millinery Award winner Cynthia Jones-Bryson and model Chloe Park
How do you keep finding new and innovative ideas for each headpiece?
Where does inspiration strike you? I am constantly on the look for anything new to ‘take my fancy’. It can strike at any time, as I’m sure most artists would agree. When I found the beautiful fuchsia it just took my breath away – the colour was so beautiful when the light shone through, and it was just ‘wow!’
What do you love about being a milliner?
The creative process is magic to me. Playing with colour, line and form is a pure joy. I amaze myself sometimes when a headpiece turns out so well.
What did you think about the spring racing?
Oh what fun! So much beautiful colour. I think racegoers made a huge effort this year. Great to see lots of pinks in every shade possible, or teamed with other brights such as green or orange.
Model Chloe Park on the runway
Do you think people are still embracing dressing up and wearing beautiful millinery?
Most definitely. The world is a crazy place at the moment. We need an excuse to dress up, get made up and live a little.
Outside of racing, what are you creating headpieces for?
I make pieces mainly for race meets all over the world, as well as weddings, military ceremonies, garden parties and a little bit of costume work.
