One of Melbourne’s most loved master milliners, Paris Kyne is showcasing an exhibit of hand-crafted headpieces in the lobby of the Crown Promenade Hotel.

The event, “Warped, Twisted and then Wrapped,” kicked off at a morning tea last Wednesday (20 June) and will be on display until Thursday (5 July).

The exhibition, located in the newly-redesigned lobby of Crown Promenade features eight pieces from milliner Paris Kyne.

This exhibition focuses on 3D wirework and plays with the illusions of both positive and negative space. 3D wirework is a frame made out of wire which is then covered in braid. Paris has used vintage Swiss petti pearl braid in all these works. Each of the eight pieces has been hand sculptured (warped), then the wires are joined together (twisted) and finally the completed frame is covered in braid (wrapped).

Crown Promenade Hotel’s general manager, Greg Moore said, “We are thrilled to have an installation of Paris Kyne’s works at Crown Promenade Hotel. The recent refurbishment of the lobby and the modern works of art by Paris truly enhance this public space.”

Greg Moore (General Manager – Crown Promenade Hotel) and Paris Kyne with two of the hat models at the event.

“In this exhibition I wanted use as few materials as possible. Out of the 8 hats, you see only a handful of simple millinery materials used repeatedly. For example there is cotton-covered millinery wire, silk-covered millinery wire, Gutermann upholstery thread, fancy petti pearl straw braid, sinamay and Petersham ribbon.” Kyne said.

As one of Australia’s foremost milliners, Paris Kyne has been crafting one-of-a kind headwear for over twenty years. His work has taken him around the globe and he has accumulated a collection of over 500 hat blocks, some of which are up to 120 years old. Paris has staged two solo exhibitions in the U.S. A., won countless Fashions on the Field Competitions and in 2008 saw him inducted into the prestigious City of Stonnington Fashion Hall of Fame.