When it comes to hats, Australians are a timid bunch. Even at the Melbourne Cup, where people are expected to look a little bit ridiculous , the majority of racegoers stick with measly fascinators and embellished headbands. But there are some recent signs of courage emerging.
The prevalence of pillbox hats and toques (brimless styles) on the international runways at Alaia, Emporio Armani and Prada have finally encouraged women to ditch tiaras and cover their crowns. “The people who wore headbands are now the clients coming to me and ordering smaller styles,” says milliner Jill Humphries. “Headbands and fascinators were their introduction to hats, now they want to take things further.
Racewear is a great reason to push it.” Milliner Jill Humphries has found success this season with straw berets, wedges and pillboxes for the Melbourne Cup week carnival. Credit: Eddie Jim The refined pillbox style, that will always be associated with Jackie Kennedy in the ’60s, during the Camelot era of US politics, is a versatile silhouette that is easier to manage than wide-brimmed boaters.
In past years, photo hungry guests resorted to floppy copies of the Jacquemus straw hat from 2018, leaving overturned champagne glasses in their wake. “I much prefer people to draw back and embrace absolute elegance as opposed to putting something big on their head just so they will stand out,” Humphries says. Loading Before descending on the races at the Caulfield Cup , where content creator .
