Specially crafted hats by milliners are a style staple for British women at weddings and at the races (though not everyone can look good wearing one — remember Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice at the royal wedding?). Of late, we have seen the Duchess of Cambridge, who in all honesty does influence the fashion trends in Britain, weighing in. What many may have deemed to be an art solely for aristocrats (as the perception outside Britain may be) is welcoming several new designers to showcase their creations during London Fashion Week in September.

Laura Apsit Livens and The Seasons Hats join established designers for the Headonism exhibition in London later this year. Featuring their collections for Spring/Summer 2017 the designers, who are selected by the British Fashion Council (BFC), will also receive mentoring and business support. Livens, a graduate from London College of Fashion, is known for marrying artisan techniques with modern design resulting in specially handcrafted pieces. Having collaborated with brands such as Bally Swiss, the designer’s creations are currently stocked at Fenwick of Bond Street and The Shop at Bluebird, London.

The Season Hats, by Paul Stafford and Selina Horshi lend some youthful charm to an otherwise refined accessory. Their signature satin folding hats are crafted using Chinese paper folding techniques, lending an East meets West element. Like Livens, the duo’s creations are also stocked at Fenwick of Bond Street as well as Alan Journo in Milan. They join the likes of Harvey Santos and Sophie Beale, both established in the field of hat making. Santos, a former professional ballet dancer is known for his hand-made playful pieces that are crafted in his London studio while Beale was chosen from more than 100 milliners to join a celebration of Britain’s finest millinery in association with the Olympics.

“Millinery is a real craft, and Headonism always champions technically creative and accomplished designers,” said the BFC’s Chief Executive Caroline Rush. She sits on the Headonism selection panel alongside the BFC’s Anna Orsini, Stephen Jones Millinery Press Manager Annika Lievesley, Fashion Editor of The Hat Magazine Carole Denford, Stylist Grace Woodward, Fenwick Brand Communications chief Leo Fenwick and hat designer Stephen Jones, among others.

This story was written in-house, based on an AFP report, with image supplied by the same