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Stephen Jones: The Art of the Hat
This text is an interview with milliner Stephen Jones, discussing his career, inspirations, and views on the art of hat-making.
Italian
Italy
EntertainmentHistoryArtFashionInterviewDesign
Christian DiorPalais GallieraSaint Martin’s School Of ArtBlitz ClubCulture Club
Stephen JonesJean Paul GaultierVivienne WestwoodThierry MuglerMarc Jacobs
- When did you make your first hat?
- Jones's first hat was made accidentally in 1976 as a design challenge. Using a cereal box and his sister's blouse, he created a hat that, despite its initial flaws, was considered contemporary and punk, showcasing the unexpected nature of creativity.
- Isn't it an anachronistic accessory?
- Jones finds that hats are not anachronistic; rather, he notes a resurgence in their popularity, particularly among young people. He explains that with simple clothing, people now focus on accessories, and hats like beanies or baseball caps add a touch of cool.
- What does the hat represent for you?
- For Stephen Jones, hats are a way to reach another dimension, a spontaneous gesture, and a means of communication through the head. They are not merely accessories but a way to express oneself and enhance one's silhouette.
- When did you truly enter the world of hats?
- Jones's entrance into the world of millinery began in the 1980s in London. He opened his own shop, creating hats for friends such as Boy George and Duran Duran. He moved from creating hats for nightlife to entering the haute couture world through collaborations with prominent designers.
- What memories do you have of headwear in your childhood in Liverpool?
- Jones's early life in Liverpool was influenced by his grandmother's consistent hat-wearing, which instilled in him a sense of the importance and tradition of the accessory. His mother's use of scarves and his father's rugby cap further cemented the relevance of headwear in his upbringing.