Millinery's finest designers arrive for forum

The forum was officially launched last night with a mayoral reception at Wagga Civic Theatre and mayor Kerry Pascoe issued a challenge for milliners to create him a new and better hat than the one he currently wears.

Fashionista, broadcaster and author Susie Elelman flew into Wagga to MC the evening and looked fabulous in a pink and grey headpiece designed by delegate Ginetta Rositano.

She then switched to a stunning piece by Sydney designer Neil Grigg, who has created hats for Princess Mary of Denmark and has his designs regularly featured in Vogue.

Models walked down the runway to show some of the best creations by the tutors - who will share their knowledge to students this week - including Rosie Boylan's diamond-encrusted hat worn by Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge.

"I love being here in Wagga and to be the first official ambassador of the International Millinery Forum is a great honour," Ms Elelman said.

"I love wearing hats, I hope this will one day grow into a festival.

"I think what it does is combine art with fashion."

When asked for the secret to a milliner designing a good headpiece Mr Grigg and Ms Boylan both answered "a good line and good shape" were the main ingredients.

The forum will run until January 21 and consist of programs where both beginners and professional milliners can develop new techniques under the guidance of the internationally-renowned milliners.

It will finish with the Gala De Haute Couture which will be held at the Wagga RSL Club.

Follow @ashleighgleeson