Cherished clients,

MERCEDES BENZ FASHION FESTIVAL

Many thanks to those of you who attended The Hat Box show at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival in August. Wasn’t it a fantastic night of fashion? We were part of the Brisbane Arcade Group Show along with five of the Arcade’s top fashion designers, and were thrilled to be given the prestigious opportunity of opening the show.

Ten of Australia’s top milliners were showcased with models wearing saucy lingerie by Honey Birdette, and parading to the sounds of  “Do You Wanna Burlesque” by Christina  Aguilera. It was not your average millinery parade! The designs were quirky and varied from giant silk roses, flowering rooster feathers to a “Lady Gaga” shoe hat, and the finale was as much a shock to me as it was to the audience when my little grandson Ethan leapt on to the catwalk to present me with a posy of flowers.

At the post-parade reception his exciting night was complete when I introduced him to the guest of honour, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, who congratulated all of us involved on a wonderful night of fashion. Fashion festivals can’t be a success, however, without a great deal of hard work from those people behind the scenes and I’d like to applaud Lindsay Bennett, Festival Director, whose vision this was and also Liz Golding, Style Director, whose creativity knows no bounds. As I believe in making The Hat Box parade a full theatrical experience. I’m already thinking about how I can make next year’s show even more spectacular.

Feathered headpiece by Hatmaker.

Lady Gaga shoe hat by Neil Grigg.

Multi-coloured striped hat by Elizabeth R.

Bridal piece by Meredith McMaster.

Finale with a surprise element.

Dale with Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Pia Du Pradal at the post parade VIP reception. (pic courtesy Ian Golding)

Ethan Thompson enjoys a Shirley Temple at the VIP party. (pic courtesy Ian Golding)

MBFF MYER LUNCHEON

A few days later, whilst still coming down from the adrenalin rush of the show, I attended another Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival function, the Myer Fashion Luncheon at the Victoria Park Golf Club at Herston. Guests of honour were Sydney designer, the beautiful Leona Edmiston and Myer ambassador Lauren Phillips. Unlike other fashion parades, however this one had plus-sized models on the runway, featuring Leona’s Plus label. My guests and I agreed it was a terrific afternoon, full of fashion, food and fun.

Ros Tilse, Dale and Patricia Balmer at the Myer Luncheon.
(pic courtesy Ian Golding)

MATER FOUNDATION & BRISBANE ARCADE SPRING PARADE

This year the Brisbane Arcade’s fashion parade was held in the Arcade itself, at the Room with Roses and also departing from usual practice was the decision to hold two functions, a morning tea and an afternoon tea. Both functions were filled to capacity with guests enjoying fabulous Arcade fashion from the designers who participated in the Mercedes Benz Fashion festival group show: Maiocchi, Pia du Pradal, Tengdahl, Bora, Darb Bridal Couture, as well as Keri Craig, Irma J Smith and the House of Dower. The Hat Box hats and headpieces adorned their beautiful creations to perfection. Pam Tamblyn compered the parade with her usual flair whilst her models gracefully glided amongst the tables.

My friends and I took the opportunity to wear a hat (any excuse) and I wished that more women would go the extra distance and complete their outfit with headwear. Hats should not be kept just for Melbourne Cup day.

Proceeds from the day were donated to the Mater Medical Research Institute which does fine work in the areas of mothers’ and infants’ health and the prevention and treatment of disease.

Lorraine Dickinson and Dale Olsson at the Mater Fashion Parade.

Ann Boyle and Kathy Neumann at Room With Roses.

MYER/VRC FASHIONS ON THE FIELD QUEENSLAND FINALS

On Saturday 8th October I drove to the Gold Coast in pouring rain to host Racing Fashion TV for Anna Mott who asked me to fill in for her again as she had similar duties at Caulfield, Melbourne. Normally held at Eagle Farm this Myer/VRC Australia wide Fashions on the Field event was transferred to the Gold Coast Turf Club due to conflicting sponsorship. David Jones now sponsors Fashions on the Field during the Winter Racing carnival in Brisbane.

I thought the driving rain might deter some entrants but there was a huge crowd who came from all  over and I saw a lot of familiar faces. Fortunately, the contest was held in a marquee on the front lawn and a weak sun appeared after lunch. It was lovely to see Amy Jones, who was recently transferred to Perth, return especially for the weekend. That’s the sign of a true fashionista! The recently engaged Kady Brandon flew down from Townsville, as did Tricia Molachino, who eventually came third (for the second time). Winner Louise Struber hails from Cairns, the same home town as last year’s winner, Jaydee Paino.

Jaydee was on the judging panel this year and was joined by Wayne Cooper and Rose Sadleir of the Gold Coast Bulletin amongst others. Their choice divided the audience, many of whom according to The Bulletin, did not admire Louise’s choice of necklace, a cicada, calling it a “bug”. As we all know, you can never please everyone when choosing a winner in these events, and she obviously caught the judge’s eye in Melbourne as she went on to be the runner-up in the national final on Oaks Day. It must have been a difficult day for the judges as I noticed many beautifully dressed women who did not make the final ten. I suggest they try again on Magic Millions day with a different group of judges

Kady Brandon and Fleur Cowlishaw at the Gold Coast Turf Club.

Fashion entrants Amy Jones, Shauna Dennett and Amy Robson

WINTERGARDEN FASHION AT 10 HIGH TEA

This high tea is one of my favourite functions and I attend with friends every time it is held, usually every two or three months. Hosted by both the Wintergarden retail precinct and the Brisbane Hilton, this event on 13th October showcased Spring Carnival racing fashion and headwear whilst we enjoyed a decadent morning tea washed down with Moet et Chandon.

For the first time, to our surprise, the Wintergarden held a best-dressed competition which was won by my friend and milliner, Sandra Robson, who makes all of her own ensembles, including hats, of course. She was delighted when she discovered her prize was a $750 shopping voucher from Wintergarden. Another of my friends, Megan Gore-Jones took out third prize.

Sandra Robson, Dale Olsson and Phyllis Tegg at the Hilton.

ROYAL VISIT QUEENSLAND

On a beautiful sunny Monday, October 24th, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip visited Brisbane. It was a short, but sweet four hour visit which Her Majesty seemed to enjoy as much as the thousands who lined the banks of the Brisbane River to get a glimpse of the Royal couple as they cruised up the river, accompanied by a beaming Anna Bligh, Premier of Queensland, who pointed out all of the sights to them. They disembarked at South Bank, where Her Majesty had a close encounter with koalas, spoke to the flood victims and finally lunched at Government House. The visit was televised live, but unfortunately, I was not able to see it until I arrived home that evening and caught snippets on the news.

Her Majesty wore a pale green wool suit and matching straw hat by Angela Kelly which was a perfect foil for the Premier’s striking red suit by Pia Du Pradal. Her hat, I’m proud to say, was made especially for her by The Hat Box and I must admit I have never seen her look more stylish and elegant. Not an accustomed hat wearer, she was a little unsure about my design, which was made by Kathy Neumann, but she carried it off with confidence and flair and wore it to perfection. The day was a triumph for Queensland which really needed a joyous occasion after our horror summer, and for Anna Bligh herself.

MELBOURNE CUP DAY

I had decided  not to go to Melbourne this year for the Spring Carnival as I am attending the Hong Kong International in December with a Women In Racing group, and the more shopping I can do there the better! Once again I was asked to judge Fashions on the Field at Tattersalls Club with Catherine Sheehy and Paul Barry of Paul Barry Menswear, and I gladly accepted.

The Fashions were held on a long runway set up in the Healy Room during which guests were enjoying pre-lunch drinks. Dozens of men and women entered and, as more champagne was consumed, it became a merry affair.

The gorgeous Carolyn Donovan MC’d whilst the three of us made our selections. Best dressed lady was Phyllis Tegg, whose bright peach suit by Pia Du Pradal was right on the mark for this season teamed with a platter hat by Hatmaker in the same tones and nude accessories. Runner-up was Megan Gore-Jones, in a green and cream silk suit by George Gross. Her headpiece was made for her outfit by Patricia Balmer. Best dressed gentleman was dapper racing photographer Ross Stevenson who wore a three piece grey suit. A delicious three course lunch was served in the ballroom, which my table of ten thoroughly enjoyed. All of us women hoped we would win the pearl and diamond necklace raffle prize, donated by Hardy Brothers, jewellers, who also make the Melbourne Cup every year. Alas, it was not to be and I didn’t even back a winner this year. Nevertheless, it was a great day out.

Fashions on the Field winners Phyllis Tegg and
Megan Gore-Jones.

Judging of Fashions on the Field at Tattersalls Club.

Patricia Balmer and Ros Tilse.

OAKS DAY FLEMINGTON

As I didn’t attend Oaks Day this year, I had to rely on friends to provide me with photos. The always stylish Sandra Robson, with her lovely grand-daughter Amy Robson, made their presence felt at Flemington. Not only did Sandra make her own outfit, she made Amy’s as well, which was rewarded with the Runner-up prize in the Fashions on the Field. She also won the People’s Favourite award. Not bad for a girl who has never entered Fashions on the Field in Melbourne before. Amy’s elder sister, Ashleigh, was the Queensland State Finalist three years ago, also in an ensemble by her grandmother. Third prize winner on Oaks Day was my dear friend Effie Cliff from the Gold Coast who looked radiant in a purple George Gross suit and a matching Philip Treacy hat. Whilst she has been a multiple winner in Queensland, this was her first win at Flemington. Also seen in the Fruche marquee was Lauren Walker, owner of Joli Boutique with her mother, Desley. Both were seen chatting animatedly with Fruche’s special guest, J. Alexander, the famous stylist. Also spotted out and about by my photographers were Joan Collins and the Sass and Bide girls, Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton. I really missed not being there but I’ll be back next year.

Amy Robson, Colin Lacivita and Sandra Robson on Oaks day.

Amy Robson with Sass and Bide designers Heidi Middleton and Sarah-Jane Clarke.

Oaks Day third prize winner Effie Cliff and Runner-up Amy Robson.

State Finalists at Flemington.

CLIENTS’ PHOTOS

I always enjoy seeing photos of you wearing your headwear from The Hat Box, so please keep them coming. Here are a few of our gorgeous clients on Melbourne Cup day and on their very special wedding day as well as the winners on Derby day and Melbourne Cup day at Flemington.

Karen Sheppard at Eagle farm wearing her Karen Valentine piece made for the MBFF.

Sharen Kenny (right) with her models at Sirromet Winery on Melbourne Cup day.

Kate Warner married Tom Marland at Maleny on 3rd September. Reception at Maleny Manor.

I’d like to take the opportunity to wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. Take care over the holiday season and I’ll see you all in 2012. I’ll be taking lots of photos at the Magic Millions in January, so if you see me and my camera advancing towards you, smile prettily.

Ciao for now

Dale