Twelve months ago today I experienced a very different kind of Valentine’s Day, enduring the first of two surgeries to remove the nasty melanoma from my arm. Melly-the-noma as the legion was known was the beginning of an adventure that I could have never predicted. But here we are, 12 months on, healthy, sporting a scar and preparing for the runway of New York.
February 2013
February 2014
“How are the preparations going?” many have asked. Well, I’m slowly getting over the creator’s block that unexpectedly snuck in and so far, the timetable seems to be working. I have completed six pieces in total since the New Year, not all bound for New York but I definitely deem a few worthy of the trip.
And I can’t help myself – I have to share a few sneak peeks with you …
February in Broome is not the ideal time to be working in a tin shed. I usually don’t start the year’s creating until it’s less humid and hot but given this year’s New York deadline, the studio shed lights are on.
I have arranged for the tin doors to be replaced, which will not only help the struggling air conditioner to cope but will provide me with some glorious natural light. The glass doors haven’t arrived yet but hopefully soon.
Not working in my normal environment isn’t conducive to productivity. I’ve been working in my house, trekking to and from the shed, sometimes just for a thimble. Fingers crossed the new doors arrive soon and this milliner can be on the move back into the shed atelier.
My New York story is generating media interest with journalists from all over dropping me a line; there’s even a film crew sniffing about. Of course I am completely out of my depth with this. I am used to interviewing and being on the viewfinder side of the camera, so I have yelled (loudly and with a quiver) for help from a very experienced and treasured friend, to whom I can tell I am about to be indebted forever.
Feathers and other goodies have been coming in from around Australia, for which I say the biggest thank you. I love hand collected feathers, not only for their natural beauty but for the chapter they add to the unique story of each headpiece.
You will always here me praise my amazing friends and this post is no exception. A cheeky group of buddies from both within and external to the Broome Community have been quietly organising an event in my honour, to celebrate the impending New York Fashion Week honour. Of course they aren’t being forward with too many details but I’m told patience is the virtue so I’m waiting very patiently!
The Kimberley has been enjoying such a big Wet season. Plants in my garden are flowering that I didn’t know even flowered. The inspiration is endless.
As well as creating the collection, my current focus is my health, especially given the diagnosis twelve months ago. I have completed a seven day detox to cleanse the internals and get back on track. I find February a good time to successfully achieve this often quite difficult task. By this time the New Year celebrations have subsided and my favourite Australia Day and its associated silliness has come and gone.
And of course there’s no better exercise than a morning walk along Cable Beach.
So, as I head for my six monthly skin check, I encourage any of you with sun kissed skin like mine to book your appointment too.
Till next time … Valentine giggles all round.
x Felicity
Milliner on the Move 