November 27th is St Catherine’s Day, a day for the patron saint of hats and in 2002 it was the day Embellish Atelier was established in Sydney. From within the atelier at 48 Victoria Road Rozelle Catherine Kelly welcomes new and existing clients to design and craft the perfect hat or headpiece.
The French inspired studio is an intimate space where her creations evolve over appointments with the client. Catherine’s inspiration comes from many sources including her years of travel in Europe, her love for design and architecture and her studies in design and technology, and millinery.
“Studying millinery has been the perfect outlet for my passion for fabric, colour and texture” says Catherine who puts to use her skills acquired over 25 years.With beginnings in exquisite soft furnishings, elegant gift items for Liberty of London, luxury bedlinen, cushions and lampshades and now as a milliner. Catherine offers her seasonal collection of hats for discerning clients.
Attention to detail, beautiful workmanship and imaginative use of luxurious materials are the trademarks of an Embellish atelier hat.
Catherine grew up on a cattle station in rural Queensland. “Wearing hats everywhere was part of my life, now it’s my business. A hat completes an outfit, everyone remembers someone who wears a hat”.
While establishing herself as a prominent Sydney milliner Catherine has been awarded the prestigious International Hat Arts Competition Public Prize from L’atelier Musee du Chapeau in 2009. Following on from this success she received the Jean Carroll Award of Best Spring Derby Day Hat. At the 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show Catherine won a 1st Place, the Excellence Award and a Highly Commended for her millinery creations.
Embellish atelier supports the good works of three Sydney charities; Sydney Head & Neck Cancer Institute, Redkite Foundation and the Friends of the Australian Ballet.
Her successful business is based on the principles of using only the finest textiles to produce the finest headpiece for her clientele. Catherine’s designs are timeless and bespoke pieces adding glamour and elegance to all occasions.
