In a studio in Windsor, Karin Goodman shapes hats by hand from sinamay, straw, felt, wire, beading and vintage lace and trims, working mostly in one-off pieces rather than repeatable lines. Commissions run from spring-racing headpieces and bridal veils through to everyday and evening wear, built with hand-sewing and traditional blocking techniques rather than machine shortcuts. Karin sees clients by appointment only, talking through a design before starting work, and asks for a deposit to secure a booking — the standard method among Melbourne's small cohort of couture milliners. It's a model built on consultation rather than walk-in retail: you come with an outfit, a date and an idea, and leave weeks later with something made specifically for your head and your occasion. For anyone attending the Melbourne Cup carnival or a wedding wanting a hat that isn't off a chain-store shelf, it's a direct line to one of the city's working milliners.