Tag Archives: Roebuck Bay

My “Hat Full of Dreams” Garden Runway

On a balmy Broome afternoon from the lush, sun kissed gardens of McAlpine House, something magical took flight. A light breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it the spirit of decades of creative passion, and a journey that took me to the runways of New York Fashion Week. 

This year, I celebrate 10 years since my first of three annual showings at NYFW, with a collection that’s not just close to my heart – it’s pulled directly from the heart of Australia.

The garden was the perfect setting to launch my latest millinery collection, “Hat Full of Dreams.” Each creation one-off and bespoke, a story in itself, designed from the wild inspiration of remote outback Australia, particularly the Kimberley. I wanted this runway to feel personal, intimate, as if each guest could touch the dream I’d nurtured over the years. And what a dream it’s been! From the bright lights of New York to the frontier landscapes of the Kimberley, this collection draws deeply from the land that has always grounded me, giving each creation its own soul, its own story.

When the models graced the runway in my designs, it was more than just a fashion moment—it was a story coming alive. The rich pindan reds and deep blues echoed the hues of our Kimberley sunsets and open skies, the stunning beauty of Gantheaume Point, the abundance of birdlife and the delicate resilience of our native flowers. Every piece in the collection is a celebration of nature’s endless creativity and Australia’s striking landscapes, lovingly transformed into art that you can wear.

My recent adventure into the East Kimberley features heavily. The fig trees that sprouted from rocks and protective boabs that we camped beneath; the grasses, the gorges along with the unique hues of Roebuck Bay and the tidal sand shapes of Cable Beach – honestly, the inspiration never ends. 

This collection, like all my collections, isn’t just for the runway, though. These hats and headpieces are made to be owned, cherished, and passed down. Investing in a “Hats by Felicity” means owning a piece of outback Australia, a statement of style that transcends trends and holds a deeper connection to the land and its stories. Each creation is bespoke and unique, like the story it represents – tailored for those who appreciate the blend of adventure and elegance that our remote Australia inspires.

My heart sings as you take home a piece of this dream and experience the connection I feel to rural and remote Australia in each feather, each stitch, each trim, each piece of millinery art. My hats and headpieces aren’t just accessories – they are an investment in timeless elegance, in individuality, in stories waiting to be worn.

To see and feel more of the show, click the link to be there 🙂 Hat Full of Dreams video

Welcome to my “Hat Full of Dreams”. 

x flic 

Acknowledging my talented and beautiful models Katrin, Grace, Aimee, Taezha, Manuela, Toni, Marani, Koiki & Jenny and Photographer Laura, Videographer Leo and Pinctada McAlpine House, Broome.

Introducing Archipelago

Last week I flew over the majestic horizontal waterfalls of the Buccaneer Archipelago and from the moment we entered the King Sound my inspiration and creativity had retuned. The Kimberley never fails me.

Previously, I’d been trying to design a millinery collection on the back of a somewhat traumatic week and the process was proving difficult, my mojo just wasn’t there. Any creative will tell you that losing the mojo is quite normal, it’s finding it again that’s the challenge. Immersing myself in the breathtaking environment of my backyard, the Kimberley, is my key to unlock the block. Give me the red dirt and rocks of this rugged frontier, the stunning ocean country of water holes and white sandy beaches, the bush, the falls, the pindan sand, the sunsets and the sunrise .. just throw it all at me and then it’s ‘Whamo – Inspo’! – just like that.

When the opportunity presented to jump onboard a half day flight over the Horizontal Falls I was beside myself with excitement and in true eager form, early to the hanger for departure. I’ve experienced the Falls a few times over the years but this particular timing was with our King Spring tides and I knew the Falls would be at their best.

Roebuck Bay was completely empty when we taxied out from Broome and over the Bay, but nothing prepared me for how we’d find the Buccaneer Archipelago; it was like mother nature had pulled the plug and instead of hundreds of islands, there were literally thousands, for as far as the eye could see, and of course the Falls were absolutely magnificent – I was in pure awe, once again .

My love affair with this region began in 1997, when I lived and worked on a boat on a pearl farm in the remote, Gerald Bay. We flew to work on a sea plane, landing in the Bay in front of our mother ship, the Cossack Pearl. I’d spend ten days living on the boat and working on the pearl farm, chipping shell and cooking for the crew and then fly back to Broome for our four days off. I was living the absolute dream.

The Cossack Pearl

Driving the shell cleaning boat

Over the years since those crazy pearling days I have returned to the region on private charters and with organised tours, adventuring onboard boats and planes and I just can’t get enough of the place. The Buccaneer Archipelago is magical, filled with colour and movement and life.

Last week’s adventure was with Fly Broome by light aircraft over the archipelago, king sound and the spectacular Horizontal Falls, landing at Cape Leveque for breakfast and a glorious swim in the ocean. I also toured the region earlier this year with Go Horizontal Falls a cruise adventure through the archipelago by boat from cockatoo island taking us through the Falls and circling us over them on the flight home from Cockatoo to Broome. From both magnificent tours I returned overflowing with inspiration and with complete happiness. I feel so connected to this part of the world and never take it’s beauty for granted, nor the positive effect that immersing in the Kimberley has on me, the emotions it stimulates are exactly what I needed to get designing for this show.

Dampier Creek Broome

Willie Creek

Cape Leveque

Water rushing into Horizontal Falls

The Horizontal Falls

I created my beautiful Archipelago inspired collection incorporating stunning silks from local fellow creative, Sally Bin Demin, and my eight piece collection was showcased by the gorgeous finalists of the development program for young indigenous women, “Kimberley Girl” at the program’s finale event.

I am so proud to be involved in this event and I am thrilled with the collection.

My adventures to the Archipelago and Horri Falls overflowed me with inspiration to create and it is with great excitement and pride, that I formally introduce you to my eight piece Millinery collection aptly named “Archipelago”.

For more details including stories and prices to purchase the pieces which are now officially available for sale, please visit www.hatsbyfelicity.com.au .

For more information on the above mentioned Archipelago adventures click the links and tell them the Mad Hatter sent you.

Keep smiling and don’t forget to tour your own backyard.
x flic