Upcycling on trend at Melbourne International Millinery Competition at Labassa

Milliners from around the world are taking upcycling to new heights, creating high-end wearable works of art out of household waste including plastic straws, chocolate wrappers and coffee pods, as part of a prestigious competition.

The Melbourne International Millinery Competition organiser Catherine Ellen wearing a piece made out of Pepsi cans and onion bags by Sandy Hunter, with Sara Court wearing a piece made of coffee pods by Sandy Aslett. Picture: Penny Stephens

Milliners from around the world have thrown their hat into the ring to claim the $2000 crown at a prestigious annual competition.

As part of this year’s Melbourne International Millinery Competition at Labassa mansion in Caulfield, designers have been busy turning trash — including coffee pod and plastic straws — into treasure to create their headpieces for the ‘Junk to Joy’ theme.

About 70 milliners from across the globe have sent in entries. Picture: Penny Stephens

Organiser Catherine Ellen, of The Essential Hat in Prahran, said about 70 hats had been submitted for judging at this year’s competition, with entries coming from across the globe including Israel, America, England, Finland and Germany.

Among the creations to have arrived so far is a hat adorned with Nespresso pods and one with flowers created from Pepsi cans.

“The number of entries grows slowly each year and the quality of work keeps improving, which is great,” she said.

“We want to make it the best international millinery competition there is.”

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A panel of four judges will select the winners, with the first place entry receiving a $2000 cash prize.

Prizes will also be awarded to second place and the People’s Choice entry.

The creations will be on display at Labassa on Sunday, February 16 from 10am to 4pm.

Tickets are free for National Trust members, $15 for adults, $12 for concession and $9 for children. You can book here.

This is the fourth year the competition has been held and Ms Ellen said plans are already afoot for next year.

Whoever wins, it’ll certainly be a feather their cap.