There’s that strange stretch of time between Christmas and New Year where no one quite knows what day it is, the to-do list feels optional, and everything runs on leftovers and good intentions.
Rather than fight it, I decided to do something constructive this ‘weird week’ – sit down and write my Milliner on the Move blog post.
And as I started reflecting, it became clear this wasn’t going to be just a year-in-review, but also a collection of stories gathered along the way – some of these I’ve already shared with more detail in my previous posts.
That’s what Milliner on the Move has always been about – my own way of sharing stories – of creativity, connection and the incredible women shaping life in rural, regional and remote Australia.
I’ve always been a regional milliner, and I’ve always let that guide how I create and who I create for.
So many women I know and meet live where the landscape is vast, the work is constant, and time is precious. Opportunities to browse, shop or linger don’t come easily – lifestyle for these women is often livelihood.
Milliner on the Move was created to bring millinery, stories and connection to the women of regional Australia, and to the wider audiences curious about millinery and regional Australia.
It’s my stories of travel and adventures, the inspiration for creation and the showcasing of millinery either by solo show or where creativity thrives – in collaboration.
February kicked off with one such show – “Love is a Battlefield” – a creative collaboration hosted by Balmain artist, gallery owner and great friend – Lara Scolari. My millinery was exhibited alongside the visual artistry of Lara Scolari, Sarah Richmond, and singer-songwriter and artist, Sara Storer.
It was art, music and millinery sharing one gorgeous space and one layered conversation. Our stories were told through different mediums.
This Collection of headpieces was created not just to be worn, but to say something – about resilience, love and strength. And the event was a powerful reminder that creativity is at its best when it’s shared.
Around the same time, my millinery was selected for the Federal Parliament House, Canberra, Regional Showcase, representing the Durack electorate of Western Australia. While I didn’t attend the showing, I was thrilled to sell two of my three pieces, and to be part of a national focus on regional Australia.
In May, I hosted our Creatives Camp through my other hat, The Homestead Hub, in the Far North Queensland rainforest – where it rained.
Relentlessly.
And the rain did what it does best – it slowed us down.
Conversations deepened and exciting ideas surfaced. And when the rain stopped us adventuring, we spent more time connecting, sharing yarns, getting re-energised and inspired over long chats and red wine. The rainforest didn’t just inspire our creativity – it created space for it – which is exactly what these Creatives Camp’s are designed to do.
That experience influenced my designs and creations, and you’ll be seeing more of this come through very soon.
From May through to August, Broome’s race season unfolded and once again, my millinery heart was full.
Clients wore newly created bespoke pieces, while others reached back to hats from previous seasons. I again proudly sponsored the Kimberley Cup Fashions on the Field.
My milliner’s joy continued with out and about photos and stories flowing in from racing events all over the country – regional and outback race tracks and Perth, Sydney and the Melbourne Cup.
Seeing my millinery worn again, loved again, and carried confidently into new moments is one of the greatest joys of what I do. It truly makes my heart sing and I thank you all for keeping me in the loop with your stories & pics.
November also brought the annual Muster and Tour Day for The Homestead Hub – this time to the Yorke Peninsula of S.A. and my first time seeing pink lakes.
I was seriously excited.
And when the clouds finally opened up – the lakes delivered (thank goodness says Tarsh our tour guide extraordinaire).
Soft, striking and unforgettable, those colours are now firmly etched into my creative memory.
Almost every piece I create is influenced by the landscapes and flora of remote Australia. The land doesn’t just inspire me, it leads me, and you’ll be seeing this pink-lake inspiration, along with more natural wonders of the Yorke Peninsula, coming through in future collections.
This year also required a very practical decision – letting go of my Hats by Felicity straw hat range.
Costs rose stupidly and time stretched unrealistically. Something had to give and clarity simply had to arrive. And as much as it broke my typically cancerian heart, letting go created space to focus fully on bespoke millinery and intentional collections.
Speaking of which – The first collection release planned for 2026 is March in Broome, at a Hats and High Tea event that I’m organising. An air-conditioned reason to dress up, connect and celebrate the women of the Kimberley who endure the Wet. So pop both Saturdays 14th and 21st into the diaries and stay tuned as Hats and High Tea will be hosted on one of these dates (soon tbc).
Now … Alongside the millinery, another story is quietly taking shape.
I’ve been working on a book these past few years – one that brings together travel, place, life, experiences, ways, people and the winding paths we creatives take when there’s no straight line. For now, I’ll simply share a glimpse through this artwork by the talented Miss Vet, Jill Kelly.
Currently being framed, this inspiration will hang where I write – my mojo reminder of what I’m writing, and why.
You’ll hear more through the year as this excitement unfolds.
All of this feeds into the rebrand to Felicity Brown – one place that brings together my millinery, The Homestead Hub, accommodation hosting, travel and storytelling. A space where creativity, positivity and connection naturally meet.
And yes – this includes stepping into conversations, podcasts and public speaking. A prospect that still makes me shrink & cringe (thanking my coach, Elsa Mitchell, for the witty, very public roasting and the not-so-gentle encouragement)… Growth, it turns out, isn’t allowed to be quiet.
Check out Elsa’s IG or Facebook post for the full roasting! Hahahahaha …
Milliner on the Move will keep sharing stories – of women living, working and creating out the back of beyond, of adventures and landscapes that shape ideas, and of millinery grounded in place, purpose and connection.
The rebrand is coming soon and I’ll be letting you know when – make sure you’re signed up to this Milliner on the Move blog, and
Join the mailing list via my website (currently Hats by Felicity, soon relaunching as Felicity Brown).
Website: https://hatsbyfelicity.com.au/
There are so many more stories to tell – and we all know they’re worth sharing.
Till next time, keep smiling and creating, and chat again soon.
Cheers, Flic
Milliner on the Move 