Despite her slight frame and softly spoken girliness, when Ann Shoebridge enters the room all heads turn to look. Almost always wearing the hat de jour, from plumed buttons to sporty jockey caps, Shoebridge weaves through the pack to be the leader in stylish headwear.
Whilst at a hip art gallery party I urged a mutual friend to introduce me to the lady in the fabulous aqua, feathered pyramid-shaped creation. The gallery it turned out was a very apt meeting location for Shoebridge who’s unique and beautiful millinery from her collection named Tokyu was recently acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria. Last year at Flemington celebrities all around were sporting Ann’s chic designs from her artworthy collection.
Ann created her first collection in 2003 and many of her sculptural, colourful designs have been finalists of Fashions on the Field around the world.
In 2013 Ann was the only Australian finalist in The HAT Designer of the Year, awarded by UK milliner legend Stephen Jones at ‘Who’s Next’, Premiere Classe, Paris.
Mono Daily is her new season range of headwear a tribute to the slow death of the daily print newspaper. It’s classic with a twist. Absolutely perfect for Derby Day. Be seen in one of these haute, bespoke pieces, hand customized to your outfit from her studio in Sydney.