Design, elegance and a statement, hats are very much a thing. Thanks to these milliners…..

Hats, once upon a time, were a status symbol and regarded as one’s pride. But over time they have gained the status of fashion symbol now worn by the elites for high-end events. While it may seem like just a ‘hat’ there is a lot that goes into designing. Something that has been in fashion from time immemorial there are a few world-renowned milliners- one who makes hat- in the business for over many decades.

Philip Treacy Someone who has been designing hats since the 1990s, Irish milliner Treacy has a customer linage of UK royalty- Kate Middelton, Megan Markel, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Beatrice- Sarah Jessica Parker and Lady Gaga to name a few. Treacy is known for his striking unconventional flamboyant and unmistakable hat designs. He has worked for brands like Valentino, Dior, Versace, and Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel for 10 years. One of his famous pieces is a hat with a black sailing ship for which Michael Jackson offered him a lot of money however he chose not to sell. Treacy still personally makes many of his masterpieces and a lot of his work is collector's pieces and treasured by museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Stephen Jones This London-based milliner is world-renowned for his radical designs, inventiveness and high level of technical expertise. Jones is considered one of the most prolific milliners having created hats for the catwalk shows of couturiers and fashion designers like John Galliano at Dior and Vivienne Westwood. He has worked with the Duchess of Sussex, pop stars Boy George and Steve Strange, as well as for the Spandau Ballet. Jones is also considered to be a rebel with a romantic streak.

Jane Taylor Called as the royal milliner, Taylor’s hat has extensively been worn by the Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Cambridge. In addition to the Royals, her hats have been worn by actresses Kate Moss, Rita Ora, Coco Rocha, and even the European royalty. Her hat designs are a clear reflection of her love for sculpture, art, textiles and embroidery. Fun fact: Taylor has trained with Marie O’Regan, the Queen’s Milliner.

More of a fashion statement, the hat will become your cup of tea if you find the right one, at least that’s what the milliners say.