Saturday, September 17, 2011

Stephen Jones 'Hats, An Anthology' Gala

My husband John and I just returned from New York, where we went to the gala opening party for Stephen Jones' museum exhibit 'Hats, An Anthology' at Bard Graduate Center.

It was a quick trip, we were there for just about 36 hours, to go to the party and do a few business-related errands.

The party was super fun, we met Stephen Jones and lots of other nice and interesting people. So great to see so many people turn out for hats! We had the chance to talk with Aliona Kononova, the winner of Stephen Jones and Vogue's recent Talenthouse millinery competition and her charming husband Igor, we really liked them and hope to keep in touch. 

On our way in, our photo was taken by legendary fashion photographer Bill Cunningham. The spread of his shots from that night appeared in the New York Times yesterday. We're near the center-left, about halfway down, John's wearing a brown fedora and I'm in a yellow top hat, both made specially to wear during the trip. Mine was made to match a yellow and black Dollymop corset, custom made for me for the event by Dark Garden.


I hope to make it back to New York before the exhibit closes next April to spend lots more time viewing the show and to scope out some new retailers for my work. It's not clear whether the exhibit will travel further- this may be your last chance to see it so you'd better go while you can, if you can. If you're unable to make it to New York, the exhibit catalog is also fantastic.

It's nice, being versatile



Steph in Toronto originally bought this 'Belle Epoch' mini top hat to wear to her wedding, but finds it versatile enough to wear other places as well. In this photo, she sports it at a Canadian National Ballet fundraising gala.

Photo:
Paul-Mark Rendon / The Compendium Daily

Monday, September 12, 2011

Custom hat: Delirious Cute

Photos of my latest custom creation, this one for a gorgeous burlesque artist from Australia. Made with vintage long-nap fur felt, dupioni silk, fur puffs, and lots of hand-set Swarovski crystals for sparkle.

I've found a stash of several of these ultra-rare vintage long-nap felts in several colors. Most colors are one-of-a-kind, but there are several more lavender similar to this, as well as gold, greens, purple, chocolate, etc. I'll photograph them soon, they'll be available for custom orders.




Fall Preview

Here are some of my new styles for fall. More coming soon.

'Drake' is a smallish fedora, in five color combinations.






The popular 'Yvette' mini top hat in long-nap felt and hand-curled peacock feathers.


'Bacall' is a vintage-inspired ladies hat with fancy ribbon trim.









           
      

'Wellington' now in leopard print long-nap felt and chocolate brown ribbon trim and feathers.