Darwin Cup 2010

The 2010 Darwin Cup day exceeded all my expectations and pulled out all the stops to be a raceday that rivals any other Group-1 raceday down south. Tens of thousands of Darwinites and visitors flocked to the Fannie Bay racecourse and experience racing, 'top end' style.

The Pearl Galleria Fashions on the Field Competition was amazing with hundreds of women and men of all ages taking part. Being a friend of Competition sponsor Gaynor Beck I was roped into help register entrants and this gave me an unbeatable way to peruse the fashion that was at the track. It was amazing to see so much effort, personal style and varied looks and I loved how the younger ladies in the 'under 25s best dressed' category looked like little versions of Audrey Hepburn, channelling vintage and classic style. The other categories of 'best dressed over 25s', 'best dressed over 40s', 'best dressed male' and 'best headwear' all proved to be hugely popular.

It was wonderful to see entrants utilise the talents of the local milliners to personalise their outfits, these entrants were the ones who stood out the most to me. There were also a number of entrants to dressed and styled and even made their entire outfit.

I was very proud to see many of my clients at the track in my pieces, alot were ready made pieces and a number were custom orders also. As the judges narrowed the field down to semi-finalists and then 3 finalists in each category, I was over the moon to see my clients among those judged as worthy of a top three place. In the end my clients Leanne won the 'over 25s best dressed' in chic black and white, Yvette was awarded 2nd place in 'over 40s best dressed' in delectable cream and apricot and the stunning Amy in electric blue, pink and black won 'best headwear' with elegant Robyn coming third in 'best headwear' in her striking navy and orange combination. These top three placegettings for my clients left me gobsmacked and the mention of my business on the channel 9 news that night even more left me floored. This is just my first year of being commecial with my business and its a start that I never expected. All I can really say now that the Carnival is over is a huge thank you to all my beautiful clients, you are all amazing. A massive thank you to Gaynor of Pearl Galleria and John of Savvas Shoes for allowing me to stock my pieces in your stores, without this support it would be nearly impossible to be able to sell my pieces. Make sure you check out these store next year when the carnival is on again.

I've been having a break from millinery during August and September but October is gearing up to be a busy one with Melbourne Cup just around the corner. If you are attending a Melbourne Cup event please be in touch with me as soon as possible as I only have limited time for custom pieces and I have orders rolling already.

I have big news regarding Melbourne Cup day for Gina Marie Millinery so stay tuned and I will reveal all in the coming fortnight. Till then enjoy the photos I've posted of Darwin Cup!

Speak soon! xxxx

Looking glam at Darwin Derby Day 2010

The very glamourous and beautiful Tracey Syrimi was photographed by the NT News Newspaper for her stunning outfit that she wore to Derby Day on Saturday 17th July 2010 at Darwin Turf Club, Fannie Bay. The outfit was rounded off with a Gina Marie Millinery fascinator of course!

Here is Tracey looking outstanding in a black and white sequin floral dress and black Gina Marie Millinery fascinator:



I've received more pics from my gorgeous clients at Ladies Day and other race days from the Cup Carnival and will load the pics shortly, keep them coming! :-)


This Saturday is the SKY Racing Metric Mile Raceday, if your still needing a hat or fascinator for the Saturday, pop into Pearl Galleria's city store or Savaas Shoes at Nightcliff to view the extensive range of original, one-of-a-kind ready made pieces from Gina Marie Millinery.


This Saturday is my absolute LAST day for taking any custom orders for Darwin Cup on Monday 2nd August. Please come and see me at Pearl Galleria in the mall, Darwin for a consultation. After this Saturday I cannot guarantee orders will be ready in time.


Will write again soon! xxx

Delia Lawrie at Chief Minister's Cup in Gina Marie Millinery

The very gorgeous and very powerful Delia Lawrie stepped out at the Chief Minister's Cup on Saturday 10th July 2010 in a devine raseberry pink and black dress complete with a custom made Gina Marie Millinery fascinator. As Delia was Acting Chief Minister for the Northern Territory that day she wanted to make sure that her outfit was glamourous but also smart and sophisticated for the official duties she performed at Darwin Turf Club on the day.

Here is a link of the NT News article from Tuesday 13th July praising Delia for her choice of outfit for the Chief Minister's Cup Day.

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/07/14/163851_entertainment.html

Delia also wore a Gina Marie Millinery fascinator to Bridge Toyota Ladies Day on Wednesday 14th July and wore it to perfection with her blue and black cocktail dress (see pic in Ladies Day post below).

LADIES DAY DARWIN 2010

What a success Bridge Toyota Ladies Day was! I was so impressed at how so many women dressed up for the day and main marquee was full of every colour conceivable. I had a blast with all my new friends and acquaintances and loved everything the marquee had to offer (everything except some rather tough beef for lunch!)

The ladies who either purchased my ready-made pieces from Pearl Galleria's city store or had a piece custom made by me were absolutely stunning and all my clients looked a million dollars! I was so happy to see some of NT's top businesswomen, socialites and politicians in my pieces....you all looked beautiful!

I have put all the photos take from the day on my FACEBOOK page 'Gina Marie Millinery' but here are the pics too for you all to see. Enjoy!

Next up is Derby Day this Saturday and its now only just over 2 weeks until the Cup Day, ladies have you all got your next outfite sorted? Come and see me this weekend at Pearl Galleria's city store for a consultation on how a fascinator or hat can perfectly complete your raceday outfit. I am instore on Saturday 9am-3pm. Sadly after this weekend I won't be able to take any more custom orders for Cup day but can happily modify a ready made piece to match your outfit if one catches your eye. Ladies keep looking glamourous and lets show those fillies in the southern states how racewear should REALLY be worn: With style and fun!

Will post again soon xx

Gina Marie Millinery 2010

Hello everyone!

Gina Marie Millinery is alive and well again. After a very hectic 2009 which left no time to persue what I love doing the most I am back: bigger and better and I mean business!

Now that I am in Darwin I thought May would be the perfect time to re-launch the business, just in time for the Darwin Cup Carnival in July and August.

While I update this blog please in the meantime check out my group on Facebook by searching 'Gina Marie Millinery'.....you will find more info on what I am doing with the business as well as photos of my latest pieces on sale at Pearl Galleria's city store.

Stay tuned to this page and look forward to seeing more Gina Marie Millinery on here soon.

If you wish to enquire about sales or orders please contact me on 0439 903 341 or ginamariemillinery@hotmail.com . I also work at Pearl Galleria's city store every Saturday so please don't be shy and pop in to say hi and have a consultation.

Here's to a wonderful and 'fascinating' 2010!!!

xxx

TCF FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA - LAUNCH OF GINA MARIE MILLINERY

Friday 13th March 2009 was the official launch of my business. Since December I have attended meetings at at the TCF (Textiles Clothing and Footwear) Network of CBEC (Caboolture Business Enterprise Centre) in Caboolture, Queensland. The idea of the network is to not only network and forge ties with other fashion related businesses and designers but to also nurture, encourage and support new businesses starting in the Moreton Bay area.

I attended the meeting initially with an open mind and a dream of someday having some sort of fashion business for myself. The Network were so welcoming and encouraging and when the idea was raised about organising a fashion show to showcase the businesses and designers in the Network, well I thought it was my chance to take that large leap into starting up my own business and making my dream a reality.

2 months later and after endless nights of almost zero sleep in preparation, the night was upon us on Friday 13th March. The night was titled "TCF Fashion Extravaganza: New designs, New Designers". I was so fortunate to be able to use the show to launch my new business and show examples of my work.

The night was a huge success and was over in what seemed like 5 minutes! The feedback I received about the show overall was very positive and the all attention I received for my segment in the show was nothing less than glowing. What a relief! I entered 10 pieces to show on the night and these were modelled by the gorgeous Rahnie and Jez. I thank them sincerely for giving up their time and being so enthusiastic about making my segment a success. Thank you girls!

Jeanette Harvey was the overall organiser of the show on Friday and without her the show would have never happened. She was always there to help me during the process of organising the show and thank her from the bottom of my heart for all she did. Gudrun Steiner was also incremental in helping with organising the night too, thank you Gudrun! Irene our compere, Paul the DJ, the sound and lighting crew, RSL staff etc...you were all amazing, thank you so much also.

I appreciate my family and friends who were able to make it on the night too; mum, dad, Marina, Lisa, Claire and Bec. Your support and effort in coming on the night will never be forgotten!

And finally the good bit, the photos from the night! Enjoy!

Previous work

In the lead up to setting my own millinery business I thought it would be good to give you an idea of the work I have done so far. Majority of the work has been for family and friends who attended the races. There is no better place to show off something fabulous on your head!

TCF Fashion Extravaganza pics for my launch night will be posted tomorrow!