

Colleagues and friends of mine in the biz who were in attendance later dubbed it the party of all parties and I really cannot say I am at all surprised. Who doesn’t want to spend time in a Willy Wonka styled room full of all things sugar and spice? Now, those of you that know me are more than acutely aware of my passion for all things head wear. Anything that has potential to be reworked & styled into an adornment for the head – will usually end up exactly that. It is therefore, by no passing coincidence, that a piece on a milliner has become my very first blog post. Held during the circus that is London Fashion Week – the party was of course the celebration of the unique career of the world’s most fanciful milliner. Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones.After my devastation of not being at the opening, I was able to pull myself together and go along with the public to see the great exhibition in the light of day. It was exactly as expected. I was transported into the magic existence of ceaseless invention & compelling allure. “Jones is a deft conjurer, who can draw whimsy from a hat. His genius is to enhance the mystery and wit of the wearer” – Hamish Bowles, VOGUE USA. Getting up close and personal with a replica of his workroom (complete with hanging fabrics and post-it notes) was a lovely touch, along with the chance to view a short video on the process involved in making one of his hand-made hats. I managed to take a few sneaky pics with my Bberry. I hope it gives you an idea of the exhibition for those of you not in London – Sorry about the quality!

In summary: “To imagine an outfit without a hat is like imagining an English tea pot without a lid” – John Galliano for DIOR
The cafe @ V&A
* The exhibition runs at the Victoria & Albert Museum 24 Feb – 31 May 2009