Hats off! The Canberra coffee table book celebrating the rarefied world of couture millinery
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For over two decades, Cynthia Jones-Bryson hasn’t just made hats – she’s created wearable pieces of art.
From designing and making hats for Dame Quentin Bryce during her tenure as Governor General of Australia, to winning the Melbourne Cup Carnival Millinery Award three times (in 2015, 2019 and 2023), over the last two decades she’s become one of Australia’s most celebrated milliners.
But not many know she’s from Canberra.
And now, Cynthia has released a 208-page hardcover book dedicated to three of her loves: hat making, her family, and the city she calls home.
“I wanted to leave a legacy for my son and my family to show one of the things I’ve done in my life,” she explains.
“The more I thought about it, I thought I wanted it to also be a recognition of what we can do in this town.”
Showcasing Cynthia’s favourite hats from across the years, Hats – A Fine Art is a comprehensive record of her work across the years. The book was designed by graphic designer Fiona Edge, features photographs from award-winning photographer Steven Lloyd, and stars local models – in fact, almost every aspect of the book has had a Canberran involved.
From finding the right creative team to work with, to looking through her archives and finally self-publishing the book, Cynthia says that it took four years to bring Hats – A Fine Art to life.
“It was quite fun and very nostalgic. I feel as I look back, I can see how I’ve grown and my technique has evolved.”
“I just feel like I’m getting a little bit better in the making side.”
Cynthia didn’t always dream of a career in fashion. But a near-fatal car accident in her early 20s saw her turn her back on a secure administrative position and enrol in a full-time Fashion Design course at the Canberra Institute of Technology. Millinery was one of her electives – and her talent was immediately apparent.
It was while living in London with her young family in the early 2000s that she undertook several millinery courses at Morley College with world-renowned theatrical milliner, Jane Smith. Falling in love with the craft, she moved back to Canberra with her husband and son, and set up a home studio as a part-time venture. From there, Cynthia built an international reputation for millinery.
“I have a lot of hats at Ascot this year – I have a large clientele in America,” she admits.
“I sell more hats internationally than I do in Australia!”
Cynthia draws inspiration from all around her.
Known for creating pieces of wearable art that marry traditional craftsmanship with a distinctly contemporary eye, each hat is one of a kind. Seeing them documented in Hats – A Fine Art is a feeling Cynthia says that she can’t describe.
The book offers a unique look into the rarefied world of couture millinery and holds appeal for milliners, fashion historians, collectors, and anyone who has wanted to own a creation from Cynthia Jones-Bryson Millinery,
“Millinery is the icing on the cake – it brings the whole outfit together!” says Cynthia.
“I love the whole top-to-toe look because it’s so dramatic and so beautiful.”
Beginning with a special dedication to her son (‘To infinity, and beyond’) and ending with her favourite hat – one he made her when he was young – the pages of Hats – A Fine Art are filled with so much more than beautiful fashion photographs. They’re filled with art from local creatives – photographers, designers, models and makeup artists.
And they’re filled with love.
“I hope it brings a smile to people’s faces, and they enjoy it when they look at it,” says Cynthia.
“Coffee table books are supposed to give you pleasure.”
Hats – A Fine Art is now available at cynthiahats.com.
Images supplied.
