ATLANTIS collection, S/S 2011-12, Coral Burst (Burnt orange feathered headpiece with matching cobweb feathers)

Having collaborated with Australia's top fashion designers, stylists and photographers, she was invited to exhibit two of her creations as part of the Stephen Jones 'Anthology of Hats' exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery...and her moto? Dare to Dream ... Well... yes we will! 

ATLANTIS collection, S/S 2011-12, Ondine (Sculpted headpiece woven in olive satin string with woven headband and ivory ostrich quills)

Autumn/Winter 2012 sees Suzy O’Rourke Millinery immersed in the grandeur and opulence of the Baroque to the decadence of Deco. GILT collection takes inspiration from the confrontation of new values with the old, and the hint of fragility and darkness that often lurks behind the glitter: lavish gold pieces hand sculpted in intricate guipure and fine Chantilly lace, luxurious velour fur felts and dramatic gold twisted ivy with hand-tooled silk satin petals.

The GILT collection, A/W 2012-13, La Flore (silk satin hand-tooled petals and a twisting branch of leaves plated in 24 carat gold).

Each piece has been individually hand-crafted and plated in 24ct gold, which has been applied directly to the textile underneath. Suzy O’Rourke Millinery called on the expertise of GALA Curios jewellery designer, Jasmine O’Loughlin to undertake this highly technical plating process which allows the texture and lightweight feel of each piece to be retained, while imparting the hats with a lustrous, hard-wearing gold patina. The result is simply astonishing!

The GILT collection, A/W 2012-13, Opera (a dramatic yet very delicate mask sculpted in 24 carat gold).

The GILT collection, A/W 2012-13, Anastasia (a delightful pair of ear muffs, featuring 24 carat plated golded leaves twisting around black satin hand-tooled petals on a gold headband).

The GILT collection, A/W 2012-13, Belvedere (a dramatic disc sculpted in guipure lace and plated in 24 carat gold. Perched on a black satin teardrop base, a stunning, light and easy to wear headpiece). 

The GILT collection, A/W 2012-13, Jardin (From the dark garden "Jardin" shines...stunning 24 carat gold plated ivy creeps around a hand-blocked velour rabbit fur felt mini beret). 

The GILT collection, A/W 2012-13, Marquise (A handsome headpiece, Marquise's sculpted shape has been hand-blocked in rabbit velour fur felt and features draped guipure lace plated 24 carat gold). 

...last but not least:

The GILT collection, A/W 2012-13, Gilda (Striking and dramatic Gilda has been hand-sculpted in velour rabbit fur felt and features an stunning branch with leaves plated in 24 carat gold running down the centre).

...good luck with choosing! 

GILT Suzy O'Rourke with GALA CURIOS - AW 2012-13 Couture Collection

All photos Courtesy of Suzy O' Rourke, Photographer: Michelle Aboud

SUZY O' ROURKE MILLINERY, Level 5, 16-20 Barrack Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, www.suzyorourke.com.au