Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones

An amazing new exhibit will run from Tuesday February 24-Sunday May 10, 2009 entitled Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones.

More than 300 hats chosen with the expert eye of a milliner will be on display. The oldest item will be a hat ranging from an Egyptian Anubis mask dating from 600BC up to a 1950's Balenciaga hat. Many of the pieces will be on display for the first time.

The exhibit will be presented in three sections:

Inspiration, will open with Prince Albert's top hat and Queen Victoria's bonnet. We will see how the past has inspired countless designers.

Creation, will show how hats are made. Set up as a milliner's workroom.

The Salon, will display the milliner's public showcase.

And the Client, a collection of hats worn by famous clients.


A quote by the master milliner Stephen Jones states, “I was honoured when the V&A invited me to curate anexhibition about hats. Since my college days, the V&A has been a treasure trove of inspiration, but to study their archive was a dream come true. This exhibition draws on milinery collections world-wide, and is truly an eclectic and exciting anthology of hats from BC to present day."

The exhibit will be accompanied by a book of the same name by Stephen Jones and Oriole Cullen with a foreword by John Galliano.

Wow, sounds like an amazing exhibit! Make plans now because it is a must see exhibit!