Tip of the hat for milliner

Broome milliner Felicity Brown received a tip of the hat and widespread acclaim for her sold-out show at the prestigious New York Fashion Week earlier this month.

The Kimberley fashionista had her debut stateside last year alongside other emerging designers, making such an impression that she was invited back in 2015 to host her own show.

Accompanied by a loyal group of friends from Broome, Ms Brown returned to New York with her unique range of feathered and flora creations for a packed show at Prince George Gallery.

Thirty pieces from her Hats by Felicity 2016 Colours of The Outback collection evoked gasps of delight from the bumper crowd; the culmination of months of painstaking design and millinery in her studio in backyard Broome.

The crescendo of the show saw the final piece, Sandfire Ash, make its stunning entrance.

The unique design is made up of rare white peacock feathers moulted from a resident bird at Sandfire Roadhouse, 395km south of Broome, tinged by trademark Kimberley pindan.

After the show Ms Brown was treated to rapturous applause from the audience.

The Kimberley milliner, who maintains a full-time job with the Department of Agriculture and Food, said the show was a nerve-wracking experience.

"There is so much anticipation in that first moment on the runway," Ms Brown said.

"It's an overwhelming feeling knowing that everything has finally come together and the show is underway.

"I don't see the audience's reaction as I am backstage frantically dressing models and making sure the headpieces are perfect, so I have to wait until after the show and the social media posts to see how it looked from the crowd's perspective.”