A mannequin wears a black headpiece with a long, dramatic spray of dark feathers. The feathers sweep horizontally to one side, as if caught in a strong wind.

Head-turning hats from fashion's much-lauded milliner

Words: Maya Davies
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Date: 3 April 2012; Work
Fashion

Milliner Stephen Jones has been turning heads throughout his illustrious career with his show-stopping hats – fashion journalist Colin McDowell said of him,“what Manolo Blahnik is to feet, Stephen Jones is to heads." His fantastically dramatic creations – far more than mere accessories – are inspired by architecture, literature and history. They have graced catwalks for the likes of Commes des Garcons, Vivienne Westwood and Christian Dior.

Jones’ fascination with headwear through the ages from the Renaissance and Regency to the Sixties is explored in the current exhibition he’s curated at The Holbourne Museum, Bath.