Archives
2024
For Rachel
For Nakisha
For Pearl
For Nakisha
For Lizzy
Ashlee Italiano
For Stacey
2023
Flower bombs for Lizzy
Lizzy
For Victoria
For Katie
For Alice
For Pearl
Private Light
Delighted to have my new exhibition ‘Private Light’ showing at In the Skies Art & Music in Lorne from 13 January-7 February
2022
Renea Forsyth
Nakisha Sims
Stephanie Martin
Woven houndstooth hat for Gayle
For Robyn
Featured in the MFW capsule outside the Melbourne Town Hall
Photo Albert Comper
Chloe Fegatilli
Venetian headpiece for Sam
2021
Milano Imai
Victoria Penfold
Florals for Sam
Milano Imai
2020
MFW space cube exhibition at the Queen Victoria Market Melbourne
I admit to feeling all adrift by the multicultural brief for this years Melbourne Fashion Week space cube. I thought I was a modern offshoot far flung from my Dutch heritage... or was I?
Brazen portraits from the Dutch Golden Age appear to flaunt the fashion accessory du jour, the ruff collar. An item befitting a time as characterised by ‘grandeur, richness, drama, movement, and tension’.
And so it was that austerity in paper prevailed with a wink to the obligatory blue & white Delftware of many a Dutch childhood.
Brazen portraits from the Dutch Golden Age appear to flaunt the fashion accessory du jour, the ruff collar. An item befitting a time as characterised by ‘grandeur, richness, drama, movement, and tension’.
And so it was that austerity in paper prevailed with a wink to the obligatory blue & white Delftware of many a Dutch childhood.
Piinpi Promo Headpiece
The Age Spectrum Sat 7 March
Photo @bronmwynkidd
Creative @virginiadowzer
Model Magnolia Maymuru
For @bendigoartgallery
First Nations Curator @shonaetywarna
Seed Pod Dress by Grace Rosendale
Hair & Makeup @juliagreen_makeup
Shot at @sunstudios
Retouching @visualthingstudio
Creative @virginiadowzer
Model Magnolia Maymuru
For @bendigoartgallery
First Nations Curator @shonaetywarna
Seed Pod Dress by Grace Rosendale
Hair & Makeup @juliagreen_makeup
Shot at @sunstudios
Retouching @visualthingstudio
2019
Wolford’s Wildlife collection campaign
Stylist Mike Adler
Stylist Mike Adler
AB Hair and Makeup, Albert Park
Hair by Antoinette @ab.hairandmakeup
Makeup @makeupbydaniellegardiner
Model Eloise Hannah @eloisehannah_
Hair by Antoinette @ab.hairandmakeup
Makeup @makeupbydaniellegardiner
Model Eloise Hannah @eloisehannah_
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Headway 2019
MRC Members Millinery Night
In conjunction with David Jones, The Valentina Group and Stylist Stuart Walford.
In conjunction with David Jones, The Valentina Group and Stylist Stuart Walford.
2019
Melbourne Fashion Week
Curated by Virginia Dowzer
Creative Direction by Moth Design
Fashion capsule 'Here comes the Fun' - Southern Cross Station Melbourne
Bought to you by The City of Melbourne
Creative Direction by Moth Design
Fashion capsule 'Here comes the Fun' - Southern Cross Station Melbourne
Bought to you by The City of Melbourne
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from 2019...
Alice Bright, Golden Slipper Rosehill 2019
Peta Webster
2018
Modern tech/amulet bag
'We Are Luxury' Exhibition
Spring Racing Carnival
Top Ten Oaks Day Millinery Award
Alyse Jenner
Alexia Petsinis
Alex Richens
VRC Carnival Magazine 2018
stylist Bec Cole
make up Bec Shannon
photo Clint Peloso
make up Bec Shannon
photo Clint Peloso
Melbourne Fashion Week 2018
Curated by Virginia Dowzer
Creative Direction by Moth Design
Fashion capsule no.1 at The Arts Centre Melbourne
Bought to you by The City of Melbourne
Creative Direction by Moth Design
Fashion capsule no.1 at The Arts Centre Melbourne
Bought to you by The City of Melbourne
Headpiece & 'Hot pies' on the front page of the Herald Sun... Custom made pop media!
Magic Millions
Francesca Cumani for Channel 7, Magic Millions 2018.
Styled by Louise Chambers @stylechambers
Styled by Louise Chambers @stylechambers
from 2018....
2017
VRC Carnival Magazine
Victoria Racing Club Carnival Magazine Editorial
Stylist @steph_hooke_stylist
Photography @clintpeloso
Makeup @becshannon
Stylist @steph_hooke_stylist
Photography @clintpeloso
Makeup @becshannon
Stone Angels
MRC Millinery Night
Members Millinery Showcase, Melbourne Racing Club 2017
Styled by @becstylin
Styled by @becstylin
Melbourne Cup Carnival 2017
Tiff @ Oaks
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Metallic Botanicals
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...from 2017
For Alex
For Di
2016
The Eternal Headonist Bridal
Melbourne Fashion Week 2016
Melbourne Fashion Week Exhibition
Crystal Kimber
GetYAfashon Interview
The Melbourne Racing Carnival
2016October 6, 2016
by GetYAfashon
Here we are heading into the very fashionable Melbourne Race Day Season and I wanted to get into the spirit of things. I have been busy working with local talent and have put together some editorial on a Race Day theme.
To start with – ‘ A Little Millinery Magic’.
During the Spring Fashion Week this year I was out scouting for talent and I ran into an outstanding milliner, Kim Wiebenga. It was a busy night when we met, but we managed to get the chance and I got some photos of her collection. I later contacted her to gain a greater insight of her talent and aspirations.
Although we only met once, I feel we got an understanding about each other and I really enjoyed hearing Kim’s answers to my questions. Please enjoy the interview.
In 1994, Kim studied Fine Arts at RMIT in Melbourne, where she developed a hard working ethic towards excellence in art and craft. Her comment “This sounds lofty but the experience definitely set a precedent in me to look beyond what is comfortable or mediocre and venture forth, always improving upon my skills and knowledge”. Clearly with such a strong creative aptitude, she is heading to great heights.
On asking her why she become a Milliner? She gave the perfect response,”It’s something about the combination of sculptural form with fashion and skill that appeals to me and I believe all the best milliners have that vital spatial awareness for composition which can then be expressed with individual style and technique”.
Why Millinery? This statement really says it all ”Hats, are the crowning glory, the ultimate accessory to define a look or a personality. It’s actually quite an honor to make something so special”.
Her inspirations are in life?
Kim follows in the footsteps of both her Grandmothers, both very talented garment makers. Kim mentioned, “I remember once as a young girl my Dutch Oma gave me a bag full of colored cottons, seemingly every color imaginable and I was quite besotted by it”. Kim has since collected fabrics the world over and finds the potential of their beauty to be absolute and pure.
“I’m not prone to idolisation but I do find honest inspiration in daily life from people who simply ‘get on with it’ and from those who create with a unique or brave vision. Witnessing others like this helps me to dig deep and find the necessary focus to proceed in the best possible way” Kim added “Whilst I’m naturally artistic, I don’t go into any collection half hearted and that can be taxing!’
On the inspiration in fashion, she simply replied “Of course there are a myriad of amazing milliners out there to aspire to, but having being fortunate enough to briefly meet Stephen Jones after placing second at last years Oaks Day Millinery Award.” Her encounter really made an impression, “I was most struck by his unguarded demeanour”, “He is someone who has wholeheartedly tapped into the wealth of his own artistic expression and contributed immensely to the world of millinery, a real eye opener for me to foray into his positive creative wavelength and hear his insights”.
We talked about her collection at the show, but I needed to get a better understanding of her ideas and her inspirations for her recent SS16 collection, “The collection is garnered towards the modern woman who wants sophisticated head wear. I have always admired effortless elegance and over the years have found I am best suited in the realm of refined line and form”.
She described some of the ideas behind some of her creations , “Even with my more youthful and playful pieces I try to keep this principle as my touchstone. This is trickier than it sounds especially considering the current trend of ‘headband millinery’, it is so easy for that to slip into novelty. Typically I am in the business of making high fashion head wear for the racing season but I really endeavour to make interesting hats with a standalone style that won’t seem ridiculous in an alternate context”.
I asked Kim about the choices of materials, fabric and colors? Clearly from her response you can feel her enthusiasm and passion really coming across “Materials are a constant delight simply because they can be so varied and applied in virtually any manner”.
When you see her hats you can see the experience flowing through them and the skill applied by using a variety of fabrics. Some fabrics are dictated by fashion and some are her favourite materials that she enjoyed working with. One favourite being leather, saying, “It’s lovely to work with and looks instantly contemporary”. She also uses a lot of sinamay, a fibrous material lamented by a lot of other milliners as a bit old fashioned, but Kim loves it and finds it so versatile as a foundation”.
Commenting on the choice of colours? Her reply, “Sadly the general public aren’t always brave when it comes to wearing colour, my preferred palette can be a little unconventional but I have learnt to choose colours more wisely in relation to what my clients typically wear”. But she insists that there will always be a couple of bold colour choices thrown in to her collection, especially with this season.
I really wanted to know how she felt when she saw people in her hats?
“When people wear a hat it can be quite a transformative experience, after all a hat sits right next to your face, the main focal point for your expressions and interactions with others. It is my hope that when someone wears one of my hats their essential self is elevated in some way. Perhaps they might walk with more confidence and personality or just feel that bit more alive. Nervous energy is also exiting for those uninitiated to wearing hats and I love to see people take that brave first step”.
I do love the next statement by Kim, once again I think she says it all. “Often people tell milliners that they don’t look good in hats which is simply not the case, they just haven’t explored their options fully and the perfect hat is always obtainable when you are open to it”.
Working in a creative field, I know how special it feels taking an idea from conception to finish, I’m always curious about other artist’s opinions? Each answer is so different and always in a very inspiring way. Kim has explained her thoughts to this revealing answer; “Overall it is very satisfying to realise a hat from conception to the head, especially for a true patron. I typically generate a clear vision in my mind based on all the factors at play which I then feel confident to translate into a three dimensional piece. Sometimes it doesn’t come together so easily and evolves over time but either way I just roll with it. It’s like life and I eventually move onto the next challenge”.
When I first saw Kim’s hats I was blown away. They really are so delightful, exciting and you can almost feel the passion and enthusiasm for her craft in every piece and on meeting Kim and getting to know more about her passion and work ethics, she really is a very accomplished artist.
I would like to thank Kim for allowing me to photograph and feature her creations on GetYAfashon. She is a true inspiration. Her creativity, passion and strength of character really shine through.
The race Season is on the horizon, so please take the time to look at Kim Wiebenga’s website and see her work for yourselves! Enjoy x
Spring Racing 2016
Crystal Kimber Caulfield Fashions on the Field winner 2016
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Oaks Day 2016
VRC Campaign
MRC Millinery night 2016
Members Millinery Showcase, Melbourne Racing Club 2016
...from 2016
2015
InStyle Magazine November 2015
"In the Studio with" by The Eternal Headonist
Kim Wiebenga is a milliner on the rise, she creates unbelievably delightful millinery, with immaculate workmanship, sensual lines and hints of natural influences. She has created a beautiful collection of effortless, gravity defying and floating elements this season, from feathers which dance across the head to delicately balanced, over-sized diamonds which look a million dollars. There's some real statement headpieces to turn heads trackside this cup-season.
She hails from the idyllic seaside town of Lorne down the Great Ocean Road, so that seaside view and proximity to big nature must be the magic ingredient to her millinery art.
Although we couldn't quite make the drive to Lorne to visit her studio in person this time, we did get time to have a little chat with the wonderful Kim and talk through this season's collection for us, and her millinery influences.
TEH - Tell us about your collection for TEH this season, what have been your inspirations and what are you most excited about?
KW - The intention behind my collection is to create high quality millinery to resonate with contemporary style aesthetics both on and off the track.
My penchant for metallic effects has carried across into this season, especially with the leather elements and veiling. In particular I have indulged in using lux ‘jewel-like’ finishes such as gold leaf, pearl and iridescence with exciting results.
I adore using an intense colour palette, no doubt inspired by my fixation for the light spectrum, and this year my sculpted feather work and hat forms alike are extra playful with rainbow effects, colourful layering, contrasting hues and ombré dyeing.
Sculpturally there are also some handcrafted diamonds securely wired into headpieces and balanced to seemingly defy gravity…. the ideal accessory to look ‘expensive’! You can only imagine how many hours I have spent lost in these pursuits!
TEH - Your style seems to have really evolved over the last couple of seasons, how would you describe your it?
KW - I love to see modern women who dress with quality, authenticity and confidence, so I’m very conscious not to overwork hats so they maintain elegance and an effortless style when worn with other elements.
There is a very satisfying harmony when ‘a look’ comes together beautifully but that said there is also a lot of scope for personality.
Individuality is what makes style memorable, especially when it is a true reflection of oneself.
TEH - What or who do think have been the major influences on your evolving style?
KW - My influences are unlimited and quite diverse, however my admiration for the natural world has always inspired my design work, especially in terms of colour and form.
I also find a lot of motivation from seeing other artists and people in general just doing their own interesting things with love and integrity. That always encourages me to excel with my own craft, in my own way.
TEH - The workmanship in your pieces is incredible, you have a real talent but what was it that inspired you to become a milliner in the first place and unleash this talent into the world (luckily for us!)?
KW - As a little girl my first fascination was with colour. I remember my Dutch Oma once giving me a bag full of tiny cottons, in every imaginable colour of the rainbow! Bursting with joy and inspiration, I basically went to work making and collecting absolutely ANYTHING of interest.
Since then things have progressed across various disciplines; I have a Degree in Fine Arts in Gold & Silversmithing and I also worked for some years as a florist before training as a milliner.
Millinery came about through natural curiosity and experimentation and it turned out to be a delightful culmination of my many loves and interests…. although I have to confess to seeing my creations as intimate sculptures rather than items of clothing! I really do put a lot of thought and a lifetime of experience into each piece.
TEH - You've been making great strides over the last few year’s, what's been the proudest moment or greatest achievement of your career so far?
KW - I love to see my hats take off on their own adventures: finding new audiences online, being promenaded at the races, taking on praise & recognition in far-flung places or simply by just finding the right owner.
It is also gratifying when my millinery is respected and admired by my peers and those in related industries, but basically I’m thrilled when the work transcends and connects with people on its own journey.
TEH - We are just getting into the craziest time of the headwear calendar, what is it you love most about the spectacle of Spring Racing season?
KW - The Spring Racing season is indeed a spectacle, uniquely Australian and wonderful for people watching. It makes me happy to see everyone dusting off the winter frost and expressing themselves freely. It's like a cloud butterflies have descended en masse.
TEH - What do you think the main headwear trends this Spring Racing season will be?
KW - I think we are really embracing the ‘re-invention of the hat’ and challenging ourselves more and more with what millinery we choose to wear and when. Hence there will be more decorative headpieces worn on headbands or combs as women experiment with different types of adornment. Veiling is also experiencing a revival bringing some mystery and old world allure back to the racetrack.
Playing with vibrant colour is also a great option synonymous with spring racing. Otherwise you can always keep your style classic wearing ‘black & white’ or add some instant glamour with on trend metallic elements.
TEH - Having an amazing hat is the crowning look to an outfit, what's your secret to creating the perfect racewear look with headwear?
KW - You definitely don’t want all the elements of your look to compete with each other for attention. If you have found a wonderful hat then let that be the outstanding feature and simply complement it with the rest of your outfit. I believe hats are the foremost fashion statement as you wear them next to your face and they can really set the tone, personality and essence of your style.
TEH - Such a great tip Kim, and now for a bit of fun - what would be your perfect millinery ménage a trois? I.e. If you made the hat, who would have designed the outfit, and who would be wearing it?
KW - In terms of high fashion it might be Tilda Swinton wearing Josh Goot…. both disarming and unique!
TEH - Amazing choice - Tilda, Josh Goot + Kim Wiebenga, we die! Finally, what’s your favourite tune to listen to get your groove on when making hats?
AW - Wow, I could spend days deliberating over that question as I am constantly listening to music during my waking hours however this is currently playing and is ironically a perfect choice!
Ane Brun “Humming one of your songs”
TEH - Beautiful Kim, thanks so much for your time we're so pleased to have your beautiful millinery in our store again this season.
She hails from the idyllic seaside town of Lorne down the Great Ocean Road, so that seaside view and proximity to big nature must be the magic ingredient to her millinery art.
Although we couldn't quite make the drive to Lorne to visit her studio in person this time, we did get time to have a little chat with the wonderful Kim and talk through this season's collection for us, and her millinery influences.
TEH - Tell us about your collection for TEH this season, what have been your inspirations and what are you most excited about?
KW - The intention behind my collection is to create high quality millinery to resonate with contemporary style aesthetics both on and off the track.
My penchant for metallic effects has carried across into this season, especially with the leather elements and veiling. In particular I have indulged in using lux ‘jewel-like’ finishes such as gold leaf, pearl and iridescence with exciting results.
I adore using an intense colour palette, no doubt inspired by my fixation for the light spectrum, and this year my sculpted feather work and hat forms alike are extra playful with rainbow effects, colourful layering, contrasting hues and ombré dyeing.
Sculpturally there are also some handcrafted diamonds securely wired into headpieces and balanced to seemingly defy gravity…. the ideal accessory to look ‘expensive’! You can only imagine how many hours I have spent lost in these pursuits!
TEH - Your style seems to have really evolved over the last couple of seasons, how would you describe your it?
KW - I love to see modern women who dress with quality, authenticity and confidence, so I’m very conscious not to overwork hats so they maintain elegance and an effortless style when worn with other elements.
There is a very satisfying harmony when ‘a look’ comes together beautifully but that said there is also a lot of scope for personality.
Individuality is what makes style memorable, especially when it is a true reflection of oneself.
TEH - What or who do think have been the major influences on your evolving style?
KW - My influences are unlimited and quite diverse, however my admiration for the natural world has always inspired my design work, especially in terms of colour and form.
I also find a lot of motivation from seeing other artists and people in general just doing their own interesting things with love and integrity. That always encourages me to excel with my own craft, in my own way.
TEH - The workmanship in your pieces is incredible, you have a real talent but what was it that inspired you to become a milliner in the first place and unleash this talent into the world (luckily for us!)?
KW - As a little girl my first fascination was with colour. I remember my Dutch Oma once giving me a bag full of tiny cottons, in every imaginable colour of the rainbow! Bursting with joy and inspiration, I basically went to work making and collecting absolutely ANYTHING of interest.
Since then things have progressed across various disciplines; I have a Degree in Fine Arts in Gold & Silversmithing and I also worked for some years as a florist before training as a milliner.
Millinery came about through natural curiosity and experimentation and it turned out to be a delightful culmination of my many loves and interests…. although I have to confess to seeing my creations as intimate sculptures rather than items of clothing! I really do put a lot of thought and a lifetime of experience into each piece.
TEH - You've been making great strides over the last few year’s, what's been the proudest moment or greatest achievement of your career so far?
KW - I love to see my hats take off on their own adventures: finding new audiences online, being promenaded at the races, taking on praise & recognition in far-flung places or simply by just finding the right owner.
It is also gratifying when my millinery is respected and admired by my peers and those in related industries, but basically I’m thrilled when the work transcends and connects with people on its own journey.
TEH - We are just getting into the craziest time of the headwear calendar, what is it you love most about the spectacle of Spring Racing season?
KW - The Spring Racing season is indeed a spectacle, uniquely Australian and wonderful for people watching. It makes me happy to see everyone dusting off the winter frost and expressing themselves freely. It's like a cloud butterflies have descended en masse.
TEH - What do you think the main headwear trends this Spring Racing season will be?
KW - I think we are really embracing the ‘re-invention of the hat’ and challenging ourselves more and more with what millinery we choose to wear and when. Hence there will be more decorative headpieces worn on headbands or combs as women experiment with different types of adornment. Veiling is also experiencing a revival bringing some mystery and old world allure back to the racetrack.
Playing with vibrant colour is also a great option synonymous with spring racing. Otherwise you can always keep your style classic wearing ‘black & white’ or add some instant glamour with on trend metallic elements.
TEH - Having an amazing hat is the crowning look to an outfit, what's your secret to creating the perfect racewear look with headwear?
KW - You definitely don’t want all the elements of your look to compete with each other for attention. If you have found a wonderful hat then let that be the outstanding feature and simply complement it with the rest of your outfit. I believe hats are the foremost fashion statement as you wear them next to your face and they can really set the tone, personality and essence of your style.
TEH - Such a great tip Kim, and now for a bit of fun - what would be your perfect millinery ménage a trois? I.e. If you made the hat, who would have designed the outfit, and who would be wearing it?
KW - In terms of high fashion it might be Tilda Swinton wearing Josh Goot…. both disarming and unique!
TEH - Amazing choice - Tilda, Josh Goot + Kim Wiebenga, we die! Finally, what’s your favourite tune to listen to get your groove on when making hats?
AW - Wow, I could spend days deliberating over that question as I am constantly listening to music during my waking hours however this is currently playing and is ironically a perfect choice!
Ane Brun “Humming one of your songs”
TEH - Beautiful Kim, thanks so much for your time we're so pleased to have your beautiful millinery in our store again this season.
Oaks Day 2015
2nd place Oaks Day Millinery Award 2015
Estivales du Chapeau 2015
23eme Estivales du Chapeau, Caussade France
...from 2015
2014
Photo Robert Anthony
Photo Steve Tanner
States of Style
26/10/2014
LOCATION: Chapel St, Melbourne.
EVENT: Spring Racing Edit.
STYLE: Dress; Future Minimal Bustiere – Shakuhachi. Headpiece; Kim Wiebenga from The Eternal Headonist.
COMMENT: Even if you’re not heading to Flemington, there are enough events around the Melbourne Cup Carnival to justify a new purchase. This bare-shouldered beauty is just the right length to keep things classy. We kept it simple for these shots, but it would be easy to put a fun nautical spin on this outfit too!
Photo cred: 35mm Photography.
2013
2012
