Wish List

In any craft, sport, music, dance etc we all have a wish list of those we would like to see. Like the newspaper celebrity question - Who would you invite to your ideal dinner party? So in many ways that was the initial thought on looking at who could really make the theme 'Trimmings' come to life, who would make up the first ideal wish list? As we are in the U.K. the master's of millinery were the first to spring to mind, Mr Jones and Mr Treacy, but how to get past the P.A.? Stephen Jones was ever so slightly busy with his New York, Anthology of Hats extravaganza so understandably he was unable to provide for the exhibition, but those who visit will be pleased to see his presence in other forms! Philip Treacy also slightly busy what with the wondrous demands from THAT Royal Wedding continuing through the Summer months, but he is not missing from The Finishing Touch.

Photo - Paul Dean for The Hat Magazine, Hat by Philip Treacy

In some ways not getting ones first designers makes thinking on who would work best for an exhibition theme far easier as it is approached in a different manner. So next step talk to a lady who is always ahead of the millinery curve, and a chat to Carole Denford at The Hat Magazine produced a more varied idea of who could be included. So the next list and set of emails read like a who's who of some of the British Millinery scene. (due to short notice the decision was made to keep participants within the UK - next time may be we can travel further) Many regularly featured in the style pages and fashion stories in magazines around the world. First to reply and say yes was the lovely sartorially elegant milliner Edwina Ibbotson. The Guest Curator was greatly releaved to have received a yes and from a milliner whose work they find irresistible.

Edwina Ibbotson in her studio Image by David Berehulak Getty Images Europe from zimbio.com