UK ICONS

How great British innovations of the past have translated into icons of today and tomorrow

Hats off FROM…

IN 1849, London hatmakers Thomas and William Bowler were asked to create a close-fi tting, low-crowned hat on behalf of Lock & Co. of St James. The hat had been commissioned by Edward Coke, the 2nd Earl of Leicester, to protect his gamekeepers’ heads when riding on horseback. When Coke arrived in London to collect his hat, he reportedly stamped on it twice to test its strength and – when it withstood the test – paid 12 shillings for it. The hat’s durability and practicality made it an international success that has stood the test of time. In turn-of-the-century Midwest America, it was known as a ‘Derby’ and worn by cowboys and railroad workers. In Nigeria, it has become a staple part of the regional costume of local tribesmen since British colonials introduced it in the 1900s, and Spanish and Bolivian women have worn them since the 1920s.

TO…

DESCRIBED as ‘the king of royal-wedding hats’, Philip Treacy OBE is arguably the most famous milliner of modern time. Born in Ireland’s County Galway on 26 May 1967, Treacy was the darling of Tatler magazine’s infamous style editor, Isabella Blow, who adored and wore his wildest creations. Most recently, his work has included 35 hats worn for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who is also a Treacy fan, headwear for the Harry Potter fi lms and designer collections for the leading fashion houses of Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Chanel and Ralph Lauren. Named British Accessory Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards for fi ve years, Treacy was awarded an honorary OBE in 2007 for services to the British fashion industry. ■

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