Fermoy based milliner Ann Flynn (nee Murphy) got the opportunity to showcase her range of designer headwear to her biggest audience to date at Cork Fashion Week's Design Awards.

It made for a hectic few weeks beforehand for Ann as she raced against the clock to finish her new Autumn/Winter range in order to have it ready for the event. "It was a lot of hard work for six to seven weeks but it was exciting," she told The Avondhu.

The theme for her selection was 'Birds of a Feather' as Ann says she loves working with feathers. She is inspired by nature generally and loves working with flowers and bright colours. Ann was delighted to get the chance to show her designs being worn in conjunction with a range of outfits. "I usually do pieces for weddings, including for brides," she explained.

It's been a hectic year for Ann as she got married in July. She became interested in millinery three and a half years ago after seeing photos of fabulous head pieces from various race meetings. Having already started her own costume jewellery design business, Ann was asked by a friend to make a hat for a Mat Hatters Tea Party. That enjoyable experience led to her focusing on headwear instead.

Armed with a couple of specialist courses, she began developing her own designs and set up as a business called 'Hat Trick'. She's enjoyed seeing her pieces worn at a number of high profile race days since, including Royal Ascot, the Kentucky Derby, Punchestown and the Galway races.

Her biggest thrill to date though was a commission from a customer to make a headpiece to wear to a garden party hosted by Queen Elizabeth II, held at Buckingham Palace in May. Another boost for her was the recent Rose of Tralee when both the Cork and Perth Roses wore her creations.

When not toiling away on her designs at her home studio in Ballyhindon, Fermoy, Ann works full-time as a journalist with the Evening Echo.

Her range of headpieces and jewellery can be seen at www.facebook.com/AMJewellery

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