After a sharp drop in popularity for a large part of the 1980s and 1990s, over the past few years fascinators have made a resurgence and, according to local designer, milliner and stylist Viktoria Novak, in 2009 they have made a massive comeback.

The 26-year-old Jerrabomberra resident officially launched her business, Viktoria Novak Design, last month.

Ms Novak specialises in fascinators and has a studio in her house devoted to their making.

In the lead up to the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup next Tuesday, Ms Novak said it had been a busy time of year in order to finish masterpieces for her clients to wear on their big day out at the races.

``Which means no sleep and maybe if I'm lucky 3am every night,'' she said.

``But that's ok because I love what I do.''

Ms Novak said 1940s and 1950s clothing styles were back in the limelight, with hourglass silhouettes, big bows and symmetry all popular.

``They're using thicker and opulent fabrics with opaque, saturated colours,'' she said.

``There's lime green, bright citrus pinks and orange, steel grey, creamy golds and of course classic black and white.

``Hemlines are getting longer which is good to see.''

To match the structured fabrics, Ms Novak said this spring, fascinators were being made out of the fabrics people were wearing.

``There's lots of netting going on to add just that little bit of mystery, lots of feathers, and bling is making a comeback,'' she said.

Unlike previous years, Ms Novak said the fascinator had become an accessory which could be worn all year around, to weddings and parties.

``That's what I push my clients to do,'' she said.

``It really is the icing on the cake, it makes the outfit.''

After studying fashion design in Canberra, Ms Novak moved to Melbourne to complete a visual merchandising course.

``That's where the obsession for shoes began,'' Ms Novak said.

``I've always loved fashion and I always knew I'd end up there.''