Model Colleen Marinovich with Gweneth Pilgrim (on right). Gweneth has been making hats for 30 years and has a new collection she’s launching. Photo: Andrew Ritchie
Camera IconModel Colleen Marinovich with Gweneth Pilgrim (on right). Gweneth has been making hats for 30 years and has a new collection she’s launching. Photo: Andrew Ritchie Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Karrinyup milliner still making hats after 30 years

Laura PondStirling Times

MILLINERY came naturally to Karrinyup designer Gweneth Pilgrim.

Her father owned horses and when she began attending horse racing meets as a teenager, she immediately fell in love with the fashion that went along with it.

“The women always looked lovely in hats,” she said.

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“I just loved the glamour of it all.”

Pilgrim completed a four-year millinery course then started making hats for boutiques.

Her designs gained acclaim and regularly featured on Fashions on the Field winners.

That is how she met model Colleen Marinovich, with the pair forming a strong partnership and friendship over the past 15 years.

Pilgrim’s hats are one-offs and she creates personalised designs for clients.

“I’d look at their outfit and I’d design around their outfit,” she said.

“It’s just a gift I’ve got.”

She has been creating stunning hats for more than 30 years, spending several weeks working on one item.

Having just released her latest collection, Pilgrim continues to find passion in her work.

“At the moment I am excited and when that adrenaline stops then I’ll stop,” she said.