Wendy Scully
From Spring 2023 collection.
Discover the world of Wendy Scully, a seasoned milliner whose passion for art and fashion has given rise to truly unique hat designs. An artist whose journey from teaching art to designing wearable art is an inspiring tale of creativity.
What sparked your interest in millinery?
I have always been involved in craft and art, and I taught art and design in all forms after qualifying for my Art teaching Degree – with major studies in textiles, ceramics and sculpture. I have always loved fashion and fabrics, When I finally moved to Melbourne and stopped teaching Art I had the chance to do a creative expression as I love creating art works that can be worn.
How would you describe your designs?
Different. Each is unique. I focus on using vintage fabrics and trims and flowers; however, I make all my own feather flowers, and other silk styles. My pieces are extremely light weight and comfortable to wear, which surprises clients when they try them on.
What inspires you?
Colour, form and texture plus sculptural lines from all sides.
Maintaining the shop window - always needs to be changed and updated.
What is your favourite material to work with?
Currently my favourite is fossshape as we can use it in the shop and its fast and efficient and I can’t use any chemicals in store. My other favourite is Japanese Vintage fabrics.
How do you go from an idea to a finished hat?
I am often inspired by the fabric or the needs of a client’s order. I work on multiple hats at a time. I get distracted by beautiful materials and get off track at times. I am not a ‘start and finish’ one at a time person- I like to balance multiple tasks or at least try! I work in my shop in the Emporium in Melbourne 6-7 days a week. I always love a challenge.
What’s the most important tool in your studio?
Iron, hair straightener and Sullivans glue as it doesn’t melt the foam balls when I am making feather flowers and dries fast.
This corset crown top hat was created to match a designer's dress.
What has been a challenge you have faced in millinery?
Inconsistent seasons - are challenging while waiting for spring to roll around. We were very busy for Royal Ascot this year.
Running a shopfront takes effort but I love having hats on display in the window with people walking past coming in to chat. I always try to promote the making and design of completely Australian made millinery. Having the store is completely different to sitting in an isolated workshop. I have tried that, but just not me. The shop does have a new challenge in that I need to have volume of pieces to display in the shop.
Collaborations also have their challenges - working with fashion designers who are on a different timeline. Essentially overcoming challenges of switching off is not easy as I work 7 days a week. I am lucky to employ two amazing women on a casual basis, who are skilful and creative and help manage the shop to keep it open.
What are your other passions?
My family and grandchildren are my real passion plus French travel and French fashion history especially Dior.
Words to live by…
I work by “anything is possible” and I don’t say no to any opportunity as we always need to keep learning.
» More from Wendy Scully
