OLD, NEW, BORROWED, BLUE, VINTAGE OR MADE TO ORDER. FASCINATORS ARE THE NEW FASCINATION.
Hats have long since been known to transform an otherwise ordinary outfit and to give the wearer an almost alter ego. With the recent tightening of our purse strings, accessorising, particularly with a hat, makes sure you’re, ahem, ahead in the fashion game with minimal effort and maximum impact.
All over the Spring/Summer ‘09 catwalks at PPQ, Luella and John Rocha, fascinator hats are the new season must-have, already coveted by the likes of burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese and the number one girl-snogging, singing sensation Katy Perry.
With the world’s greatest milliner, Stephen Jones’ career spanning over two decades and having just won the BFA’s Outstanding Achievement Award the world of millinery is being recognised as at the forefront of an era-defining craftsmanship. His designs often tell a story, transporting the wearer to wherever they want to be that moment, a quality also recognised by the V&A museum where he is soon to host an exhibition in his honour. Also achieving high things in high places is this years Hat Designer of The Year Rizvi Millinery whose collections reference the glamour of eras gone by and with a new collaboration with textile artist Ptoleny Mann currently in the works, in a time of recession a regeneration is on it’s way to head near you.
Up-and-coming milliner Eloise Gill set up shop after graduating university, following in the footsteps of Stephen Jones. Her creations are the epitome of DIY chic and easily accessible from her online marketplace coined Loolie Creations.
Fascinator hats shade the face with a subtle net taking granny chic to another level. They can be bought on street markets like London’s Portobello, online at specialist stores or from the influential top designers. Fashion legend Isabella Blow was rarely seen without a made-to-order Philip Treacy creation and now the time has come to take note and follow suit.