Dear Shaded Viewers,
Stephen Jones, the legendary British milliner, presented his Autumn-Winter 2025 collection at London Fashion Week last Friday. It was the first time that I’ve covered LFW in over a decade. The presentation, held at Jones studio in central London, was a sensory delight that pushed the boundaries of traditional millinery.
Jones showcased an eclectic array of hats crafted from diverse materials:
- Satin, tartan, and crêpe headpieces
- Glass constructions that challenged conventional hat-making
- Feather-adorned fascinators
- Headbands featuring dangling icy beads
- A striking black satin flat cap with white piping.
The presentation was designed to engage multiple senses:
- Sight: Enchanting creations in various shapes and sizes
- Touch: Guests were encouraged to try on and feel the different textures, I brought my friend the model Irina V. Pantaeva along with me for just that.
- Smell: Some hats were infused with scents, including one reminiscent of autumn.
The Willy Wonka-inspired top hat was made entirely of chocolate in collaboration with Parisian pâtissière Jana Lai, this edible masterpiece featured a bite-sized hole in its crown. It was divine and we were all given a delicious mini-version to enjoy at home.
After his exhibition at the Palais Galleria Jones started to think about what hats do for you. He told me that he once asked the iconic Anna Piaggi why she wore hats. She answered that the reason she wears hats is that it connects her spiritually. Her answer inspired Stephen to go on with this collection to see how people connect with hats highlighting the transformative power of headwear in fashion and self-expression. What a pleasure to be around the millenary master of all times.
Later,
Diane
