Okay, so it feels like ages because it actually is ages since I’ve written a blog post, but this doesn’t mean I haven’t been writing; in fact, I’m excited to announce – I am writing a book.
Yes, last year I made the commitment, not only by saying it out loud, (which is bloody scary in itself) but I also committed with an accountability group and a plan.
Serendipity stepped in and introduced me to these gorgeous ladies, who are also writing, from New Zealand and Queensland; so we seized the intro and made a commitment to keep each other accountable to writing our books, and it’s been a game changer!
Sarah, Alex & Flic
We’ve never met in person, but my gosh, I look forward to each Friday, when we meet on-line to write.
The other exciting update is I have launched my Meet the Milliner, Studio Experience in Broome.
For years people have asked if they can drop in to meet me and see the studio and the collection, and although I’ve always tried to make this happen, these last minute requests are not always possible. So now I have a system to book this visit when you are planning your trip to Broome.
Love this group of fabulousness!
I’ve created a really lovely experience to share from my backyard studio. And yes, of course we can have a little glass of bubbles. Why not?
Here’s the link and feel welcome to share this with any friends of yours coming to Broome.
And now for my collection update … and without getting too bogged down in the story of my delayed start to creating this year’s millinery magnificence, I’ve had some forced time out of the studio, thanks to white ants coming up through the cement floor. They also got into my vacuum cleaner which gave me one hell of a ZAP!
In addition to the ant issue, I also had the mystery of something running amok in the studio of a night, opening the door each morning to foam heads, hats and headpieces strewn across the floor. I had no idea what was going on but when I opened one morning to find my beautiful blue bottle smashed all over the floor and hat boxes tumbled from their stack, I decided to climb the ladder and block the small holes into the ceiling where my mystery mate must have been coming in through from the roof; it was either that, or I had a ghost. But I’ve since seen this cheeky monitor looking most displaced, so I think my ghost of a culprit was this goanna, who apparently doesn’t mind a termite or two.
On the Studio door!
Honestly – only in the Kimberley!
Subsequently, my millinery collection for 2024 is off to a most delayed start, so I’ll see how I’m going over the next few weeks, and confirm the date of my collection reveal.
If you’d like to be kept updated about the Book, the Experience, the Collection and more, subscribe to my Milliner on the Move blog and sign up to my Hats by Felicity website mailing list – these two sites are from where the updates will come.
I won’t clog your inbox, I’m way too busy creating millinery to be sending dozens of emails …
As for the milliner on the move’s inspiration for creation, (apart from ghosts, termites and lizards), there is a pretty amazing trip in the plan, deep into the Kimberley, – I’m already excited to design and create a collection inspired from this amazing part of the world.
Till next time, have a fantastic day, keep smiling and keep your eyes out for rogue bungarras.
When I was born apparently mum and dad disagreed on my name.
Dad wanted Kelly, but Mum won with Felicity.
The dictionary meaning for felicity is intense happiness.
I’ve always known that hats bring happiness – this is why I do what I do, and why I named my millinery business Hats by Felicity. To me, it’s about so much more than the hat, it’s about what the hat does – how the hat (or headpiece) makes you feel.
Sometimes, I can’t help feeling that my business and I, are both very aptly named, especially when I see photos like this, from my recent runway launch (it completely cracks me up)!
The crowd, the models and a very excited me – Hats and Happiness – captured by Laura Gass Photography
What a way to kick off the Broome Pride 12 day festival of Mardi Gras events.
For three years now, I have launched the Crown Jewels at Broome Pride’s Launch event and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
As Milliner on theMove I gathered the inspiration for this collection from around the world; from New Orleans, Sydney, Far Western NSW, the Kimberley and my favourite TV series of the moment, Yellowstone.
As Milliner to the Queens I launched the collection to an energetic full house, by runway parade at the Roebuck Bay Hotel, Broome.
Crown Jewels III is a collection of Mardi Gras hats and masks, showpieces, and race-wear millinery for those who like to take it up a trackside notch.
The Broome Pride Launch Party officially launches the Broome Mardi Gras festival of events, which is now in it’s 9th Year.
What started as a one night event in a seedy nightclub, is now a two week festival that lines the airport with private jets and fills the town with business, colour and fun; and impressively, is powered by volunteers and the brainchild of one woman, Lucy.
So, what is Mardi Gras and where did it come from? Well, originally, in New Orleans in the early 1700’s, Mardi Gras was a masquerade parade occurring on Fat Tuesday, which is the last day before Lent.
Mardi Gras started as elegant society balls, then as a carnival, and by late 1830’s New Orleans held colourful street processions organised by Masked Krewes, who remained anonymous to the crowd.
New Orleanians call these Mardi Gras parades the “Greatest Free Show on Earth”
A Krewe (pronounced crew) is the social organisation that stages the parades and balls for the Mardi Gras celebrations.
My own trip to New Orleans in 2015 inspired a few pieces of my latest collection, Crown Jewels III, including this mask, that I named De Lis, honouring the said New Orleans masked Krewes.
Hats by Felicity – De Lis – modelled by Aimee
Sista too was inspired by New Orleans, as the gem of the carnival who steps out with a POW under the lights of Mardi Gras.
Hats by Felicity – Sista – modelled by Rachael
Poppae represents the true carnivale’ of Mardi Gras, inspired by the colourful streets of New Orleans and the spark of travel itself. She’s all about the excitement of exploring the world, and living life to the full. And she’s made of pom poms which are SO right now.
Hats by Felicity – Poppae – Modelled by Amanda
And our Fifi de Fleur, who floats through the crowds as the colour of the Mardi Gras parades.
Hats by Felicity – Fifi de Fleur – modelled by Jenny
Not all the collection was inspired by New Orleans. Beth’s inspiration comes from Yellowstone, OMG is anyone else as addicted as me?
We all know I love the country, but let’s talk about Montana, USA, cowboys, and big hats. Take me back is all I can say ….
Beth’s pheasant coucal feathers have a story, as all my feather pieces do, arriving to me in a bag with the words Happy Birthday from my mate Mal, who had gathered up the feathers, strewn from a bird that had come to grief.
Always keen to give the feathers another flight, I cleaned and preened and returned them to their glory, and mirrored their construction as the two faces of our Beth, who’s character we are both endeared to and scared of, at once.
Hats by Felicity – Beth – modelled by Rachael
During my recent trip to NSW I was treated to a bucket list New Year’s eve fireworks, onboard the Riverboat Postman.
Three pieces were created as a result of this magical night on Sydney Harbour – inspired by the fireworks, and created also to represent my Sydney experience, as a now Kimberley girl, circling back to where my adventure began all those years ago, in NSW.
Canta, which means to sing, was inspired by the pure vision of the Opera House that night; not to forget the sound of Australian born, Nashville-based country singer, Morgan Evans, performing at the Opera House as we cruised on by.
We were one of the few boats with a band onboard that night – Middle Earth sang as we wove in and out the boats on the harbour – who were all so very jealous, of course.
Pictured below is Canta, modelled by Aimee and with my inspiration for the creation, the Sydney Opera House.
Back in the Kimberley, with it’s endless inspiration, I created Min-Min with her flashing lights, and Crystal, inspired by the cirrus cloud that streaks crystals by the wind; and many more pieces to showcase Crown Jewels III.
In every collection I launch, I honour the trade of millinery by including a vintage hat that I’ve restored and included my own slant to, and Hawthorne is the restored beauty of Crown Jewels III.
Hats by Felicity Hawthorne – modelled by Grace
I could share these photos and yarns all day but I’d probably crash your device, so, to further meet these and more creations and their inspirations I invite you to view the collection by clicking to Hats by Felicity Crown Jewels III.
Now, we all know there wouldn’t be a Crown Jewels runway without the sass and stage fun of these sensational models, from The Hangar Broome. They are absolutely delightful, and I thank them all; AND she who captures them, and all the hats and happiness, the talented Laura Gass Photography.
And I can’t thank Lucy and Broome Pride Incorporated enough, for the honour of showcasing and being part of this Broome community event.
Broome Pride is a non for profit organisation, organising and promoting inclusive events for the LGBT community.
Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parades have been growing since the first bold protest march in the early 1970’s, and Broome Mardi Gras Festival of Events joins the now worldwide celebrations and in particular, echo’s the Mardi Gras of Sydney, which this year is hosting WorldPride.
Once upon a time, February and March were when we flew out of Broome, now, thanks to one woman’s dream and commitment, a community coming together, sponsors, and an extensive program of Mardi Gras events, people are flying in.
Have you booked your trip to Broome?
Keep smiling and perhaps I’ll see you here, one day soon.
While it was certainly time for me to pack the bag, board the plane and make my way out of WA – arriving into Melbourne at midnight, into a polar storm was certainly not in the plan.
The wind literally blew my phone out of my hand and across the road that I was trying to cross as my bags blew in different directions and my hair whipped my face.
Welcome to Victoria they said!
Thank goodness Susan was on the end of that far flung phone and found me amongst the chaos, and we high-tailed it out of the storm to Geelong.
A day later the temperature still hadn’t risen so we celebrated the Melbourne Cup at a private (heated) event hosted by Elizabeth and PJ on their nearby farm. The theme was Melbourne Cup yellow and in true Variety Bash style we donned many an outfit change (mine a multitude of layers); joined by none other than our own cardboard selves.
After all, doesn’t everyone have their own cardboard cut-out, – ready for rent-a-crowd.
Next we girls were on the first of my many road trips, to the historic town of Yackandandah, where I was invited to take part in a fashion parade event showcasing my millinery alongside the clothing range of Vivienne Cate, a simply delightful store owned by our gorgeous friend Karen.
We girls are known to combine work with travel, with play, – with our reunions, and for this catchup we stayed in a beautifully restored bank building, https://www.ashlarstays.com.au/copy-of-ashlar-on-high nestled in the heart of Yackandandah, hosting the fashion parade in the stunning backyard gardens.
Halfway through the parade, of course – another storm scuttled us into an intimate second half on the veranda.
Before my Broome departure, I had seriously forgotten what it was like to be cold. Karen has clothed me to survive these endless chilly days and nights – and thankfully so, because I’ve been freezing since the day I flew out.
The next road trip was with Karen to Mazza in Yarrawonga, through historic townships and wineries, even twisting our rubber arms for a ‘crisp white’ along the way.
And my trip to Albury was by regional tour with the awesome Mazza herself. This was my first exposure to the confronting rising flood levels of Vic and NSW.
I boarded the flight out of Vic to Sydney and on to Dubbo, to my dear friend Em of Em Menzies Art.
Our road trip the next day was literally out to the back of Bourke, to “Salt Lake” Station where once upon a time I was a governess; and included a visit to “Emaroo”- the last Station on the road – where Em grew up and where the inspiration for her ‘girls’ art was born.
The trip out to Emaroo was also to visit a recent resting place, a memorial for Em’s father and brother, who both passed away separately during the height of covid. Unable to travel to be with Em and our friends during that time, I’ve struggled to come to terms with Scotty’s passing, so particularly this part of our trip out west was filled with emotion, for us both.
The artist and the milliner were awed by the beautiful wildflowers, the green pick was a multitude of grasses and that red soil, – so familiar to a now Kimberley girl; and I’d never seen so much water out there.
I was a 19 year old when I was a governess at Salt Lake. The kid’s dad would climb the windmill daily and tell us “big rain coming bunge”, which it never did, because we were in drought.
To now see this country so wet and green was quite spectacular, with inspiration as far as the eye could see; a stunning landscape of colour, nestled into that rich red soil.
We had the ultimate tour guides – Tegan, Jack and kids, – Jack being one of the kids I taught way back then, and we made it safely back to Dubbo before more rain and the water traveled down river and closed the road.
Back in Dubbo, I was treated to a paint and sip class with Em, painting the adventure on the canvas – and wholla! – I introduce you to my attempt at painting – entitled “Salt Lake Soak” and some inspiration for my next millinery collection.
I’m now in Central Western New South Wales with my family, surrounded by their flowering and edible gardens.
I’ve grown up knowing home as drought country but to see all this grass and flora is quite amazing. I’m constantly inspired, not to mention filled with energy from being with my friends and family.
As you know I am passionate about rural and remote Australia and about designing collections of Millinery that truly reflect our beautiful regional land.
My Mardi Gras millinery collection will be first to showcase, in February 2023, followed by a race wear release in May. I’ve been designing whilst away and will create when I return to Broome.
While I’m Milliner on the Move, my current collections of millinery are on show and available for sale at Cygnet Bay Pearls Showroom in Broome, WA and Vivienne Cate, Yackandandah, Vic so get in touch with these fabulous outlets if you’re looking to purchase your Hats by Felicity headpiece or hat.
I have a small collection of my retail range everyday straw hats with me, and don’t forget, there’s always the handy gift voucher for you or for that special Christmas gift – available from my online store.
My heart is full, my cup is full, I’m surrounded by friends and family that I’ve missed dreadfully over these past three + years, and my creativity has returned.
The power of travel – so very important, especially for this Milliner on the Move.
Merry Festive season, keep smiling and I’ll check in again soon.
Twelve months has passed and this Milliner still hasn’t been on the Move.
The confinement, however, has thankfully come to an end as borders open, travel confidence grows and life stirs from our pandemic haze.
While I’ve been fortunate to have spent these past few years in Broome, the seclusion has still had an effect.
Even with it’s wide open spaces, wilderness and beach, being away from family and friends for so long has been hard, for us all.
I’ve always justified settling on the opposite side of the country to my family by being only a flight away. Who would’ve thought?
But don’t you worry – like the rest of us, I’ll be making up for lost time.
The planner is out and this year there’s aeroplane stickers on the board.
2022 in Broome kicked off with the golden opportunity to showcase by runway, my first collection of millinery for the year.
Crown Jewels II was three months of creativity – a collection of Mardi Gras show pieces, wearable art, feathers, shimmer and bling; a mix of stage show millinery, creative artistry and race wear for those who like to take it up a trackside notch.
I was filled with pride as each piece took to the runway and in stark contrast to the poised and silent crowd of New York Fashion Week, the models played to the screaming crowd that lined the outdoor stage beneath our balmy WET season Kimberley sky. The parade was so much fun.
Courtesy of Broome Pride Inc, captured by Laura Gass Photography
This Launch party of the Broome Pride Mardi Gras festival was filled with colour, excitement, glitter and fun. Broome was back! Events were back – and I was so grateful to be part of it all launching a collection as Milliner to the Queens.
And, bringing forward the next plan – I am thrilled to launch my Millinery for Creative Photoshoot Hire.
For all you creative photographers out there, I have curated a collection of my unique millinery for hire, to compliment your next photoshoot – Millinery to power your image.
Whether you are shooting a business promotion for a client or your own creative photography – the Hats by Felicity Millinery Hire collection is offered to photographers Australia wide.
It was after a few beers with my brother, Billy, when the idea came to me. We often have a yarn and a few ales over the phone – living on opposite sides of the Country, it’s how we keep in touch. This particular time he’d mentioned a woman he met who was working with Sydney’s Mardi Gras. She’d been surprised to hear I was a milliner in Broome, and looked up my instagram.
That was pretty much the conversation – but in my sleep – my never resting, always busy sub-conscious mind came up with a plan, and the next morning I awoke with huge excitement; – I was going to create millinery for Broome’s Mardi Gras – I was going to become the Milliner to the Queens.
Busting to tell my house guest at the time, Margaret, I followed her around the kitchen, as she was still wiping the sleep from her eyes, blurting my Mardi Gras plan that Hats by Felicity would create for rural and regional women, AND Queens.
I was designing creations that day for a few little here I am pieces to enter the industry. I was SO pumped to have realised another outlet for my creative trade. With the demise of race-wear millinery due to covid, I had pivoted into bridal, launching my bridal collection in January, and now it was time to start creating for Mardi Gras.
Previously, when I created for the runway of New York Fashion Week, I was in my absolute creative element, but until now, I hadn’t realised a market for these elaborate creations. I was back in the creative zone that I had experienced for my international shows.
Hats by Felicity – New York Fashion Week SS2017
In it’s 7th year, the Broome Mardi Gras is a week of events bringing our little town together and alive, in what prior to Mardi Gras, was a terribly oppressive time of the year.
The heat is still here, don’t get me wrong, but now it’s lathered by glitter.
Broome is blooming in February, – our hotels are filling as the week unveils, the restaurants are booking, the positive economic impact is nothing short of invigorating – there’s literally dozens of events, from story time with children, to makeup with teenagers and the Cabaret, the Dance party, the pool party – bingo, breakfasts, the list goes on.
Broome is alive – and I am thrilled to be part of the excitement.
Lucy from Broome Pride, the woman behind the organisation of events, heard I was creating this collection and invited me to showcase at the “Pride Tide” gin launch event, Saturday 13th February.
The timeframe was the shortest I’d ever created to and for a runway collection, I needed materials – I needed ‘bling’ and the response to my call out was phenomenal – it made my heart sing. Friends, The local Broome Aqua ladies, Sun (Dance) Studios Broome, The Chamber of Commerce and Regional Arts WA filled my studio with bling.
I locked myself away for the short few weeks and created a 24 piece collection that unveiled on the runway of the Roebuck Bay Hotel outdoor venue, as part of the launch of Moontide Distillery’s new gin.
The “Pride Tide” Launch featured the launch of the Hats by Felicity “Crown Jewels,” and I couldn’t be more excited, thankful and proud.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better – the local pole dancing troupe were available to model my creations.
“Can we get out our sass” they asked? “Oh my Lordy yes”, I said.
There was no better way to officially launch as the “Milliner to the Queens,” than with the “Crown Jewels” collection paraded by local models filled with personality and sass, showcasing to a capacity local crowd, at an outdoor venue in Balmy Broome, filled with colour, shimmer, sweat and fun.
Enjoy the footage of the launch and if you know any Mardi Gras Queens, and fun-stars who love to get amongst the February Mardi Gras festivities, share the launch around. My “Crown Jewels” collection is now officially unveiled, launched and available, and there’ll be more glitter to come over the years.
Photography by Laura Gass Photography | Footage by Lana Reed Productions | Thanks to Moontide Distillery, The Roebuck Bay Hotel and Broome Pride.
I feel a bit of a fraud to be the Milliner on the Move, and not be on the move, but who would ever have guessed the world would stop travelling.
This time last year we had no idea what chaos lay before us and I certainly had no foresight that I’d enter 2021 as Broome’s Bridal Milliner, but here we are, pivoting our way through the chaos that is covid 19, and with complete acknowledgment of the seriousness of the virus, from a personal business perspective, I have to say, I’m grateful for the opportunities that presented to me in 2020.
On an average year I would create up to 100 pieces, however in 2020, I created three. One for Darwin, one for Gasgoyne Junction and one for Ascot Perth, and these made my heart sing.
The gorgeous Georgie, Dawin, NT
People would say to me “you must be loving all this time to create,” but what many don’t realise is it’s not just about time, it’s about creativity and to be honest, from March 2020, I completely lost my mojo.
This isn’t to say business came to a halt, in fact, it was quite the opposite – I went into overdrive with business development for both Hats by Felicity and an entirely new business concept called The Homestead Hub, and it wasn’t until I realised the latter, that my creative mojo returned.
Bridal was always an area of millinery that I reserved for friends.
Abbi, Broome, WA
Kylie, Broome, WA
Renee, Broome, WA
Each time I worked ‘on’ my business, bridal appeared in the notes but I always managed to keep it veiled, that is, until now.
Fast forward to 2021, and to the world that is, and I couldn’t be happier or more excited to enter the year formally launching my first Hats by Felicity Bridal collection.
Like all businesses, there are changes for Hats by Felicity – working closely with clients on a one to one basis in my little Broome studio is now something of the past, but as a milliner creating for rural, regional and remote women, regardless of where you reside or whether you are an impending bride, or off to the races, – I will continue to create collections of one-off, unique and beautiful creations, and present these collections as a continual showcase, available for sale on my Hats by Felicity website.
To keep informed of new creations and my creative business directions, I encourage you to like and follow Hats by Felicity Instagram and Facebook, to subscribe to my Hats by Felicity newsletter as well as this Milliner on the Move blog, and if you’d like to be in that private space, and the first to know about new releases and informative hat related teachings, stay tuned for the new Hats by Felicity private Facebook Group.
My millinery’s creative calendar will go something like this – January is the launch of my bridal collection (yay and thank you for your awesome support).
February will introduce another exciting millinery direction and collection – double yay; and from March I will focus on the 2021 race wear millinery collection, with the most positive of vibes that regional races will return.
Thanks for continuing to support my little business over the past year – even without me creating a collection. Your liking, sharing and engaging in conversation with Hats by Felicity kept my business alive and my spirits high, and for this I thank you.
Every Hats by Felicity creation has a story – usually involving people and places, and almost always about feathers. In the mid 1990’s when I was working as a jillaroo on Mandora cattle station south of Broome, I was introduced to the Sandfire Roadhouse. Many of you will know Sandfire as a roadhouse where you fuelled your car, grabbed a bite to eat and continued along the great northern highway, but for us in 1996, Sandfire road house was our local drinking hole. With no towns for hundreds of kilometres north and south, for us Sandfire was more than just a fuel stop and a place to grab a pie, it was our pub. Understandably, I was devastated when in 2007 Sandfire Roadhouse as we knew it suffered an electrical fire and burned to the ground. The roadhouse reopened with a transportable within 48 hours of the blaze and in April 2010 the roadhouse that we know today, opened, but without the bar that will now remain part of history. If you’ve ever been to Sandfire, either then or now you would have met the friendly peacocks that roam the site and in particular the rare white peacock. Owner Ken Norton has known me since those early Mandora station days and always been a supporter of my millinery journey, and each February, when the peacocks malt their feathers, Ken collects them for me to use in my millinery creations. It was a given that when I was chosen to showcase on the runway of New York Fashion Week that I would use these magnificent peacock feathers in my collections. In 2015, I showcased my Spring Summer 2016 collection on the runway of my solo show with my finale’ piece honouring the white feathers of Sandfire and acknowledging the fire, with my creation aptly named “Sandfire Ash”.
No sooner had she landed from the runway of New York Fashion Week, Sandfire Ash then appeared on the Seven Network Sunrise breakfast show program, the eve before Melbourne Cup Day, 2015.
When I returned home to Broome from New York and Sydney I had a visit from Ken Norton, who wanted to purchase Sandfire Ash for his partner Dorothy. I was ecstatic. I always love to know where my creations end up and to know Sandfire Ash would be down the highway from Broome made my heart sing. Given the creation’s size was somewhat a feature, Ken also put in an order for a Mini Ash for Dorothy, that she could wear to the races.
Dorothy not only donned Mini Ash for the Broome Cup 2019 but she also wore Mini Ash to her Daughters wedding, as Mother of the bride in Ireland.
Mother of the bride, Dorothy and Ken, Ireland 2019
Sandfire Ash
Mini Ash
Ken always said he wanted to display Sandfire Ash with the story of her journey from Sandfire Roadhouse to the runway of New York Fashion Week and true to his word, here she is.
Next time you’re driving the Great Northern Highway and pull into Sandfire Roadhouse, make sure you say Hi to Sandfire Ash (and Ken and Dorothy).
Isolation has given me the opportunity to write what I’ve been wanting to write for some time now, so for all you creatives out there sitting at your computers with an idea that you’ve had to start your own creative business, I’ve written this ebook for you. I’ve compiled 14 of my favourite ways of working, my Flic tips, my words of wisdom and backed them with the story of Hats by Felicity to inspire you to have a go at creating your own creative business. Enjoy, and let me know how you go. xf
I first met our little mate Amanda in Kununurra, East Kimberley, in the late 1990’s; both of us were working with aboriginal communities.Amanda was working in women’s sexual health and I was with remote aged care, and this pocket rocket has been in my life ever since.Amanda has Cystic Fibrosis and as I’ve learned about people born with this condition, they are uniquely shaped by the CF gene and not only by stature but with dynamo personality.
With Margarita of course ..
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine.Long-term issues include difficulty breathing and coughing and frequent lung infections, and poor growth.The condition is life long and there is no known cure for cystic fibrosis.But defying all odds and the prognosis given to her mother and father with her toddler diagnoses, Amanda just celebrated her 50th Birthday!And we were right there with her.
Rhi, Flic, Amanda and Fi The Kimberley Girls
The celebrations were in Bali and the party was combined with another CF legend, Caz, who was celebrating her lung transplant anniversary of 25 years.For Amanda’s 50th Birthday and Caz’s 25th Lungaversary we travelled from all parts of Australia to Bali, for the gold and silver party to celebrate the milestones of these amazing women.
Caz and Amanda with their Gold mate Mitch
Through Amanda over the years, I have met several awe inspiring humans with CF and with this week’s celebrations in Bali I met more; and their families and their partners and their stories, which can only bring our own lives into perspective.
Milestone celebrations bring reunions and what a reunion we had in Bali.Great mates from our early days in the Kimberley flew in from where they’d now made home, some with kids, some with out, some even with broken bones, like our friend Fiona who I declared win the best effort prize.Fi flew from Cairns, QLD with a terribly broken arm for which she was still sleeping in a recliner chair for pain.But as Fi said, “as if I was going to complain”.And that’s what living our best life reminds us – someone is always doing it tougher than we are.
Flic, Amanda and Fi (Best on Ground)
This party had the recipe for all good gatherings; great venue, a fun theme, good food, great atmosphere, dynamic people and a magnificent ocean sunset. There was such excitement and as Amanda arrived flocked by the fellas in gold she had the biggest laugh and smile – we just couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
Flocked by Men in Gold
Amanda had caught another chest infection soon after her arrival into Bali the previous week and she was crook.The gold dress that she’d had been excited to have designed and tailored in Bali had near strangled her during the dress fitting so in true Amanda style she simply threw it to one side, got frocked up in another dress and went to the party.Meanwhile Sophia, Fi and I were wanting to throttle the tailor who didn’t seem to understand the importance of the dress to Amanda – we wanted them to go back, fix the problem and come back with the perfect fitting dress for this special event, but our reaction compared to that of Amanda was just another reminder of us sweating the small stuff.Gold dress or no gold dress, it didn’t matter, what mattered was the 50 friends and family who were there .. besides, the fellas in their tailored gold shorts, shirts and wigs provided enough gold glitter for all.
Mitch & Kev – the Golden Boys
The emotional speeches by Amanda and Caz began by genuinely thanking their parents for the CF gene.As did all speeches made during the week.
Amanda’s speech was a ripper – telling her journey simply as it is.There’s no ‘woe is me’ airs and graces or sympathy required by this dynamic little woman.Amanda prefers getting on with life and helping others – her dedication to the sexual health of the indigenous community is an inspiration.But with her decline in health of late, working in a hospital system has become an increased risk for lung infection and basically, as much as she hates to admit it, the time has come for Amanda’s hands on work with these clients to possibly come to an end.She sits on many boards and educates the community on cancer (yes that’s another story of hers), sexual health and cystic fibrosis in her spare time and if there’s a cause out there, she’s like a dog with a bone.
Caz’s speech was next. She shared with us her story of how her mother was told if a transplant couldn’t happen in the next six hours, they would have to turn off Caz’s life support.Miraculously the transplant happened and in time.Tragically, of course, this meant someone had lost their life and just as Caz’s family would have been jubilant, another family was devastated.But that family had made the decision to donate the organs of this young woman and this decision had given life to Caz.It was hard enough not to be emotional listening to Caz’s transplant journey but we all lost it when Caz further explained that the woman who had lost her life was pregnant; and how Doctors had saved the baby girl.Caz then shared with us that she is this baby girls God Mother; this girl, now 25 years old is Caz’s god daughter.There wasn’t a dry eye under the balmy Bali sky as Caz shared the story of the relationship she has with her donor family, her donor father even joined her own father to give Caz away at her wedding.There are exceptional people in this world and this story is filled with them, and so was this gathering.
Amanda and Caz and their partners thanked us with such genuine gratitude for making the effort to be there to celebrate these milestones with them in Bali. But it was us who were filled with gratitude.
With husband Kev
In the lead up to Bali I had questioned myself if I should be going.I had been away from Broome and my businesses so much of late.Bali had snuck up on me and I hadn’t given it the time, nor excitement that I would normally enjoy in the preparations of going overseas.I literally packed the night before and worked right up until I got on the plane. I felt terrible and thankful all at once; terrible for questioning why I was going and so very thankful that I was there.Listening to these amazing women and the other CF power houses that gathered in Bali, and their partners, families and friends reminded me how much gratitude I have for good health, genuine friendships and life.
After the Sunday recovery and following dinner many of us dispersed throughout Bali to further explore.I headed up north of Ubud for three nights, to an airbnb amongst the quieter surroundings compared to that of Bali’s Legian Beach.I had found the perfect place to immerse myself in relaxed surroundings to reflect, write and design.I slipped into my perfect routine of a long, lazy breakfast, hours of writing before my daily massage, followed by a few hours of millinery design, sleep, work (yes, we can do all) and then in the latter cool of the afternoon I would head out for an adventure; stopping en-route home for dinner at a local open air cafe/restaurant, as suggested by accommodation staff.
My Bath in Ubud
My local for dinner in Ubud
Because I spent time at the accommodation writing and designing, I had established a relationship with the gorgeous staff Susan, Made and Jero.It was Jero who invited me to join her family for a ceremony in their temple.I instantly accepted the opportunity.On Wednesday Susan arrived at my room to check out my wardrobe for something temple appropriate to wear, of which of course, there was nothing; after all I’d packed at the last minute with the priority being gold!
Susan returned with a sarong and two beautiful Kebaya (the gorgeous lace traditional blouse worn by Balinese ladies), none of course that would fit me.So we improvised and she left me to get ready.I was a tad nervous at the thought of wearing a sarong to a temple for a ceremony and my capacity to dress myself to ensure the sarong didn’t hit the floor.After all I live in Broome, my extent of experience tying sarongs was loosely over my bathers for around the pool.But Susan taught me well and before I knew it Made pulled up on the motorbike out the front and I was side-saddle “Like true Balinese woman” he said, off to Jero’s Village.I hadn’t asked how far away we were going and given I hadn’t been on a motorbike since Mandora station in 1996, and I’d never ridden side-saddle, I was starting to get a tad worried that I might not be as capable as I may have been in my youth.We travelled past rice paddy’s and into the forrest where the road was narrow and undulated with hills, poor Made was struggling to get speed up on the motorbike with Flic side-saddle on the back.Part of me wanted to laugh out loud – which would have been an excellent echo in the cool of the forrest but explaining my outburst to Made would’ve been too difficult so I just held on and wished that my friends could see me now.
checking out a few handbags on the way
We pulled up at Jero’s home and she quickly whisked me into their family compound to further dress me a tad more appropriate; after all I only had the bottom half traditional Balinese.I met her mother and father and there were kids and people and dogs and chooks and a really lovely atmosphere.She offered several Kebaya to me but they were all too small.After putting the call out to the ladies eventually one came back that fit like Cinderella so we were on.Next was the corset to tidy me in there and again the call went out .. coming back with one that fit.Jero was worried I’d be sick tied in there but we women do many things for fashion and squeezing into clothes was just one skill mastered.
True Balinese Lady .. with Jero (definitely a Balinese lady)
I was ready, and as we left the compound everyone nodded in approval, some with a giggle and a smile.Jero heard the music start and said her son had started dancing so we needed to get there.In the dolly steps that a tightly wrapped sarong commands my size 10 feet struggled with the quick pace but we made it in time to watch her son and I was in awe.Kids of all ages in traditional clothing were dancing traditional moves and everyone from the village was coming together to watch.I fit in almost perfectly … actually I stuck out like you know what but at least I was dressed the part.As the kids finished, the teenagers were next and then the adults and I was front row for the show with Jero and her lovely mum.Kids would do a double take and giggle at me but everyone made me feel welcome.I was the only foreigner to be seen and the only blonde hair in the village.
Kids – traditional dancing
Traditional Dancers wear white Kebaya when dancing
Jero and her mum
Next it was time to enter the temple and while that may sound easy – it was not.There were hundreds of people trying to get in at the same time, all carrying offerings and wearing traditional dress and determined to get through those stone entries.Jero and Susan grabbed my hands, and with mum behind me pushing and them pulling we somehow made it through the crowd and through the gateway into the temple, then over the kneeling crowd and right up to the front!Then it was quickly down on our knees, on the crumbling rock ground of the temple.I can’t tell you the last time I knelt on rock or how long I was going to cope at this but I sternly told myself to deal with the discomfort. After all here I was, dressed in full Balinese traditional dress, front row to a crowd of hundreds, in the Pura Melanting temple in the village Klusa Payangan, for the ceremony for money!
The rushing crowd into temple Pura Melanting
Jero taught me what to do as we carried out the tradition and were individually blessed and before I knew it, I had attended my first balinese ceremony.Once again I was filled with gratitude.
Post ceremony in the Temple – that rice stayed on my forehead even after the bike ride home
The next day I farewelled Jero, Made and Susan and my time at Airbnb Amarvi and headed back to Legian.My few days up North had been amazing.I arrived back in Legian just in time to catch the crew who were at lunch celebrating 25 years since Caz’s actual transplant day.When they asked me how was Ubud I just didn’t know where to start.Even with only three days apart we all had so much to catch up on.
That night I few out of Bali to Darwin and on to Broome, arriving home in time for work on Friday morning. What an adventure.My heart was so full and still is.
I love to travel; the people you meet and the endless opportunities and inspiration that travel provides. This short week in Bali for Amanda and Caz has given me so very, very much and I am filled with gratitude.
These girls …
Next is Christmas and I’ll be staying put in my beautiful little home in Broome.The plan is to relax with friends and create in my millinery space.I wish everyone a very special time for Christmas and if your time is spent with family, I ask that if the opportunity presents, to please discuss with your family the topic of organ donation.Amanda has taught me that even if we as individuals are willing organ donors, the ultimate decision comes down to our family.If you haven’t had this discussion with your family they may not know your wishes, or what to do if the situation presents.Please look into the topic of organ donation and have the family chat.As sensitive as the issue is, you may just save a life.
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”.
Lola
Ophelia
Lorelei
Maggie
Layla
Prudence
Sadie
Ivy
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
millineronthemove 