This month we interviewed Australian milliner Zandra Eastwood. This what she had to say.
Interestingly, I fell into the Industry quite by chance! Amusingly, I always thought I’d become an actress as I sometimes have a flair for the dramatic however I unintentionally applied for a Junior Bridal Millinery position at 18 and since then have learnt nearly every technique known thanks to the ever changing fashion trends over the last 11 years. I come from an extraordinarily talented family so pursuing a career with my hands and creative mind was never not an option!
Luckily for me I was paid to learn in a career I loved and I learnt and applied every technique very quickly progressing to head milliner! When I initially started Millinery in the Bridal Industry, floral halos and enormous princess tiaras were the fashion, however over the years fascinators, cocktail hats & Feather Jewel combs evolved again so I’ve seen many various fashions come & go.
I’d mainly been a Design Milliner for 10 years however before launching my own label I also worked with the same designer label over the years as Head Buyer, Production Manager, National Sales Representative and I’m sure a great deal more! I’ve also been very lucky to travel Australia wide and work exclusively with many Leading Couture Fashion Designers creating a look perfected to their clientele. Aside from Millinery I also trained in Couture Jewellery Design so have an extensive collection of beautiful Swarovski pieces ranging from Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, to Bandeaus & Tiaras that have been personally designed~
I’m mostly influenced by the French glamour of the 40’s and I love the bygone era where women truly dressed like women~ Feminine, Sensuous and undeniably sexy however I may also be working on two designs when the inspiration comes and I mix them together~ Voila! I definitely derive inspiration from the beauty of nature however I do also design some Hats with a modern Twist. Exotic Feathers, Beautiful flowers and gorgeous luxurious fabrics are what motivates me. Each hat needs to be sensational and I never design something I wouldn’t wear myself.
My most enjoyable commissions this year so far has been for the racing ladies of Ascot where we do consultations via email as it can be quite challenging. I’m flattered when people contact me from six continents away and specifically ask me to commission a special design & they absolutely trust me to go ahead with it! Most recent though was a gorgeous bride from England who sent me pictures of her beautiful day immediately after her honeymoon and thanked me for making her look so beautiful. That kind of appreciation makes millinery design so worthwhile!
Aside from retailers, my largest commissions are Race Day and Bridal wear worldwide.
I have an absolute passion for feathers and there are so many versatile ways they can be shaped, manicured and curled! I have the utmost respect for birds and their plumage is just glorious! I also love amazing trims however interestingly I haven’t managed to work much with Sinamay this year as I’ve had numerous requests for large accessorizing features on small cocktail bases but have a few sensational shapes in mind so keep an eye out!
Gourmet Cooking, Fine Wine, Royal History, French History, Learning Irish Gaelic, Traveling, and naturally my wonderful Family & Friends!
Zandra Eastwood
www.zandraeastwood.com
info@zandraeastwood.com
+614 2525 1957
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