WITH the spring racing season champing at the bit, racegoers may find inspiration for millinery creations from Opera Australia’s extravagant production, “My Fair Lady”. Head of wardrobe David Hansen shows off some of his favourite hats, which feature in the meticulously colour co-ordinated Ascot Racecourse scene. Created by Tony Award-winning costume designer Roger Kirk, the production’s extraordinary wardrobe features 60 hats, along with 150 costumes, 50 wigs and 95 pairs of shoes. “It’s like dress-ups on steroids,” says Canberra Theatre Centre spokesperson Beth Webb. The hats and costumes were made in Sydney at Opera Australia’s own production factory. Custom-made hat boxes were constructed to protect the unique, highly valuable hats.
Photo by Cole Bennetts