Award-Winning Bespoke Millinery | Kathryn Lee Millinery

Fashions on the field millinery award winner wearing pink beaded headpiece by Kathryn Lee Millinery

2024 LILLIAN FRANK AM MBE MILLINERY AWARD

A Full-Circle Moment in Australian Millinery

In a poetic culmination of artistry and heritage, Sydney milliner Kathryn Lee has claimed Australia's most prestigious hat-making honour: the 2024 Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award.

The award holds profound personal significance. Kathryn began her career as a young work-experience student at Lillian Frank's esteemed Toorak salon. Decades later, winning the award bearing her mentor's name marks a beautiful full-circle moment that celebrates not just technical excellence, but the enduring influence of Australian fashion heritage.

"Receiving this honour, particularly one bearing Lillian Frank's name, represents both a personal triumph and a tribute to the mentors who shaped my journey in Australian millinery."

Kathryn's path to this moment began in Melbourne, where her father trained racehorses at Flemington. After years abroad and a career in hair and makeup, she returned to Sydney and opened a boutique in Potts Point before dedicating herself fully to millinery from her home studio during the pandemic, a decision she has never regretted.

Today, Kathryn continues to push creative boundaries, channelling her modern vintage aesthetic into collections that honour the traditions of millinery while feeling fresh and contemporary. Her work is a testament to the enduring power of handcrafted artistry in an age of fast fashion.

Explore the Collection

THE WINNING DESIGN

'It Girl' - The Modern Muse

Inspired by iconic figures like Veruschka, Peggy Moffitt, and Brigitte Bardot, 'It Girl' captures the essence of the modern muse, fearless, free-spirited, and utterly stylish.

Crafted from hand-dyed vintage viscose, this striking 1960s helmet-style hat showcases over 50 hours of meticulous hand beading. Each bead tells a story, featuring a stunning mix of glass crystals and semi-precious stones including Malaysian jade, rose quartz, and moonstone, complemented by delicate seed and bugle beading.

The design represents the pinnacle of Kathryn's "modern vintage" aesthetic, reimagining the revolutionary spirit of 1960s fashion for the contemporary woman. It's not just a hat; it's a statement and a celebration of freedom, individuality, and the vibrant tapestry of style that connects past and present.

The influence of 1960s fashion can be seen across major collections from design houses like Celine, Dior, Chanel, and Balenciaga, breathing new life into the timeless aesthetics of the decade. 'It Girl' reflects this movement, seamlessly fitting into the contemporary landscape while honouring its roots.

Cinematic influences from iconic films such as Sweet Charity, Blow Up, Belle du Jour, and Breakfast at Tiffany's imbue the design with flair, inviting the wearer to step into the spotlight. Each curve and colour tells a tale of glamour and rebellion, echoing the spirit of a generation that dared to be different.

Pink beaded capulette headpiece by Kathryn Lee Millinery on model in editorial photoshoot setting

50+ Hours of Hand Beading Each bead placed with precision using couture techniques

170+ Vintage Hat Blocks Collected worldwide, some dating back to the 1920s

10+ Years Perfecting the Craft From masterclasses to TAFE to award-winning millinery

4+ Countries Wearing KLM Australia, New Zealand, USA, and United Kingdom

KLM It Girl award-winning beaded headpiece close-up

KLM It Girl modern muse 1960s helmet hat

KLM It Girl semi-precious stone beadwork

KLM It Girl vintage viscose millinery styling

Fashions on the Field

KLM clients have won numerous fashions on the field competitions across Australia's most prestigious racetracks

Group at Melbourne Cup holding the trophy wearing hats by Kathryn Lee Millinery - spring racing carnival

Fashions on the field winner in gold beret by Kathryn Lee Millinery collecting Myer prize at spring racing carnival

2021 Stylish Lady winner wearing KLM lavender fascinator headpiece with floral dress at racing carnival

Fashions on the field winners at Pacific Fair Magic Millions wearing Kathryn Lee Millinery hats - 2nd place sash

First place Best Dressed winner at Darley Scone Cup Carnival wearing navy feather headpiece by Kathryn Lee Millinery

Fashions on the field winner wearing KLM gold crown headpiece at Brisbane Racing Club with Moet champagne and bouquet

In Her Own Words

My work bridges the glamour of vintage millinery with contemporary fashion sensibilities. Each piece tells a story of tradition reimagined for today's woman.

Kathryn Lee

On Design Philosophy

Australian racing fashion holds a unique place in global style. Our approach combines tradition with innovation, creating looks that are both timeless and thoroughly modern.

Kathryn Lee

On Racing Fashion

Using clever references from the past as a way to propel millinery into the future allows us to honour tradition while creating something entirely new and exciting.

Kathryn Lee

On Creative Process

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THE ATELIER EXPERIENCE

Your Bespoke Millinery Journey Begins Here

Located in Sydney, Kathryn's home studio offers an intimate and luxurious setting for private consultations. Each appointment is a personalised journey into the world of bespoke millinery, where clients are welcomed with champagne while discussing their vision.

From initial consultation and shape analysis to material selection and colour matching, every step is tailored to you. With access to Kathryn's extensive collection of vintage blocks and premium materials, your hat will be a true one-of-a-kind creation.

Interstate and international clients are warmly welcomed through virtual consultations, ensuring the same level of personal attention and precision in design.

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