Marea Bright

Marea's maternal great grandfather, Samuel Pope Davis, won the Melbourne Cup on Lantern and to the present day, Marea and her family have had a life-long association with racing.

Marea's father, the late Frank Mcintyre and brother, James, both jockeys; her mother, Rita, a tailoress, all led Marea to fashion and millinery.

Marea qualified with a Diploma of Millinery and Design in 1964 and then built a career and a proud reputation, stemming from her passion for quality workmanship and designing innovative custom made headwear. 

Marea's Head Gear opened in The South Town Walk, Wagga Wagga. This allowed Marea to develop her clientele from all over the Riverina and interstate.

Award winning collaborations with prominent Australian designers to create hats for Wagga Wagga Golden Gown, Melbourne Gown of Gowns and the Australian Masters of Fashions Awards held in Melbourne. Member of Judging Panel for numerous VRC Melbourne Cup Carnivals – Myer Fashions on the Field, Derby Day, Melbourne Cup and Oaks Days. Created the winning hat for the 1992 Melbourne Cup Carnival overall Fashions on the Field winner, judged by the Queen’s couturier Sir Hardy Amies. Designed the winning hats for 7 Derby Day Fashions on the Field entrants.

Marea’s Millinery and Bridal Centre, Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga. 

As a firm believer and advocate of high standards and quality within the millinery trade, Marea held the position of President of the Millinery Association of Australia Inc. for two terms.

Coordinator of Fashions on the Field for the Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Wagga Wagga for almost 10 years before relocating to London.

Invited to London by the late Frederick Fox Esq L.V.O. (Milliner to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) as his assistant in his New Bond Street Salon.

Proud recipient Milliners Association of Australia, Hall of Fame 2015.

Member of the Collins Street Precinct as well as City Precinct Traders Association, City of Melbourne.