In keeping with this weeks’ hat theme, we turn our attention to another London based milliner, J.Smith Esquire. Having established his own successful hair salon in London, And People Like Us, Smith turned to the art of hat making in 2000, completing a two-year MA in millinery at the RCA. Celebrating the exuberance inherent within hat wearing, the designer’s eclectic designs for Spring Summer 2011 are characterised by a colorful vibrancy. Citing broad inspirations – including stained glass windows – the collection fuses couture worthy pieces with simplistic, wearable straw pieces. Gingham and polka dots recall the endless appeal of lazy summer picnics, whilst intricate beading and flouncing chiffons evoke comparisons with sultry St Tropez nights.
Veering into the eccentric, and never one to shy away from the unconventional, Justin reinvigorates the simple cocktail umbrella, the humble detail used to create circular hats that resemble some exotic space age creature. Celebrating the lasting appeal of summer style, Illuminated presents a new take on sartorial summer dressing.
