Melbourne Cup: hats off to the city's milliners – in pictures

Milliner Serena Lindeman poses with one her designs at her showroom in Swanston Street, Melbourne. 'It gives me a lot of pleasure to see my clients on track wearing my hats,' she says
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

Serena Lindeman works on her hats using traditional techniques
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

This bold scarlet and floral design is sure to get the wearer noticed
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

She also gives classes for Melbourne Cup punters to learn how to make their own headwear
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

A braide machine at Serena's studio
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

A striking black and white design at Louise McDonald's studio in Swanson Street, Melbourne
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

Milliner Louise McDonald uses the steam machine to shape fabrics
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

A variety of shapes on display at Louise's studio
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

Louise McDonald cuts fabric for a new piece –the milliner was born on Melbourne Cup day
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

She adds detail to a hat
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

Louise has made hats – including this colourful titfer – for 18 Melbourne Cup carnivals
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

Milliner Richard Nylon in his studio in Fitzroy. He lists Dame Edna and Jennifer Hawkins as two people who have worn his headpieces
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

A design by Richard. He has been making hats since the mid-1980s
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

Milliner Julie Fleming at her studio in Hawksburn, Melbourne. She has been making hats and fascinators for 24 years
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

Julie Fleming shows off a new headpiece featuring a birdsnest
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

A variety of colours and textures in Fleming's studio
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia

Julie looks at a hat with client Ondrea Willis in her Hawksburn showroom
Photograph: Paul Jeffers/Guardian Australia