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Lauren RITCHIE
Fairywren 2021
Millinery textiles
50 x 40 x 25 cm
1 – 31 October 2023
Gallery Shop
Inspired by the surroundings of the Taminick Gap Ranges in North East Victoria, Lauren Ritchie presents a collection of unique handmade headpieces. Her designs prominently feature delicately hand-crafted feathers representing the cockatoos and other native birds that inhabit the region. The unique call of the cockatoo forms the backdrop to the soundscape of this beautiful countryside.
Lauren’s connection to the North East is strong, having grown up in Greta West. Her early love for textiles developed through sewing sessions with her Nan. This passion led her to complete her VCE studies in Textiles at Wangaratta High School under the guidance of Gayle O’Keefe.
After completing high school, Lauren relocated to Melbourne to pursue a Bachelor of Fashion Design at RMIT University while simultaneously diving into Millinery Studies. During this time, she honed her craft working alongside world renowned milliner Louise Macdonald. Lauren’s career took her to London, where she gained invaluable experience working for prestigious milliners such as Jane Taylor London and couture millinery expert Edwina Ibbotson.
Lauren Ritchie creates quality hats and headwear from her studio in Manchester Unity Building on Collins Street Melbourne. Her label Lauren J Ritchie Millinery reflects a high standard of workmanship with strong and flowing design lines. Each hat and headpiece are handmade and hand finished to a high standard.
Lauren’s work was awarded second place in the 2022 Millinery Australia Design Award, and in 2023 was awarded a place in the Top 10. Lauren was on the Victorian Racing Club judging panel for the 2022 Myer Lillian Frank Millinery Award. Her pieces have been worn by Lord Mayor Sally Capp, VRC Ambassador Crystal Kimber and Illustrator Alexandra Nea, Rozalia Russian, Francesca Cumani and Emma Freedman. Lauren is a leader in the millinery industry as an editor and content creator for The Hat Magazine, head of content for Millinery.Info and has served as President of Millinery Australia.
All works in the Gallery Shop are available for purchase from Benalla Art Gallery,
or by contacting the Gallery on: T 03 5760 2619 or gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au