About Lauren Ritchie

Milliner Lauren Ritchie is wearing a gold boater and purple jumpsuit she is standing at a counter in a teal room

Lauren J Ritchie creates quality millinery hats and headpieces for race days, special occasions, day wear and theatre.

Lauren creates quality hats and headwear from her studio in Manchester Unity Building on Collins Street in the heart of Melbourne.  Her pieces reflect a high standard of workmanship with strong and flowing design lines.

She trained with world-renowned Milliner Louise Macdonald and spent time working for royal milliner Jane Taylor London and leading couture millinery expert Edwina Ibbotson while living in London.

Lauren J Ritchie Millinery launched her first independent collection in 2020 titled Warby Winter inspired by the North East Region of Victoria where she spent most of the year during the lockdown restrictions.   The Spring 2021 Collection, Laceby Spring was created and captured to the sounds of the Australian landscape.

Lauren is a leader in the millinery industry as an editor and content creator for The Hat Magazine and previously Hatlines. As head of content for Millinery.Info Lauren produces the monthly podcast series with milliners from across the globe and this year stepped to the other side of the microphone and was interviewed by a fellow milliner to share her industry insights. 

In 2021 she was elected to the role of President of Millinery Australia with a focus of looking towards the future of millinery locally and across the globe.

Lauren has created many pieces for Competitions around the world including winning the Backyard Ascot Competition hosted by Millinery Hub in 2020.  She has participated in MIMC, Parkins Fabric, MAA Design Award and has been invited to take part in the Flemington Oaks Day Millinery Award.  Lauren J Ritchie was named a finalist in the Fashion Category in the Frankie Magazine Good Stuff Awards in 2020 and in 2021 the Premiers Design Award. 

The imagery of Lauren J Ritchie Millinery was used as the feature picture for Flemington VRC's 2020 Cup Week Fashions on the Field Campaign including email announcement and the Official website for the event.  Titled Mayfair it is a red tulle piece in a classic pitched shape hat that has a gradient edges offering a softer finish.  The piece was made for the 2019 Myer Millinery Award and was photographed by Richard Shaw.  

It is and honour to have pieces worn by Lord Mayor Sally Capp, VRC Ambassador Crystal Kimber and Illustrator Alexandra Nea. Find your next piece of millinery in the latest collection or make a time to chat with Lauren in person at the studio or online.