NEWS
Worshipful Company of Feltmakers Design
Competition 2023 by Rachel Trevor-Morgan
Each year the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers, one of the livery companies in the City of London, hold a design competition which is open to millinery students, apprentices and those who are within the first two years of starting their own labels. It is very much an industry prize with the aim of supporting those individuals who are hoping to go into the hat trade. Entrants are invited to submit designs that are exciting,
first prize – Dawn Wilson (Morley College) - £1500
This hat was inspired and very original, not like anything the judges had seen before. Dawn’s hood wrapped around the
head with cut-out felt details. The blue and copper tones were inspired by the rooftop paintings of Cézanne and Hopper and the interior of the piece was gilded with copper leaf.
innovative and unique. The hats must be largely made of felt and be capable of being manufactured in a workroom or a factory. And they must also be comfortable and wearable! There are three main prizes and four additional category prizes. The overall winners are chosen on the basis of their overall design, originality and craftsmanship. Entrants are first asked to send in images of their hats along
with backing papers. There is then a pre-selection and those selected are invited to send in their physical hats which are then judged in person. This year’s judging took place at Haberdashers’
Hall in London on April 4th. Joining the judging panel with millinery buyer for Fenwick Victoria Claridge and editor-in-chief of The Hat Magazine Elly Stemerdink were couture milliners Edwina Ibbotson and Victoria Grant. Also present was Past Master William Horsman, a retired hat manufacturer of many years’ experience who started the competition over 30 years ago. Milliner Rachel Trevor-Morgan, the competition organiser, was also judging and leading proceedings. For the final deliberations, the judges were joined by the Lady Mayoress of the City Mrs Felicity Lyons and Sheriff’s Consort Corinne Lee, along with the Master of the Company Neil Edwards and his wife Nicki. Over 28 entries were received from colleges including the Royal College of Art, Morley College London, Nottingham Trent University, Glasgow Clyde College and the Northern School of Art. There were also entries from startup labels and from Finland, Germany and France. The choice of winning hats was very tough this
year and the judges took a while to reach their final decision. Many factors have to be taken into account. Does the winning hat fit all the criteria but also stand out above the others? Is the design original? Would someone wear it? Elly Stemerdink commented: “The variety of the entries was reflected in the top three
artwork and presentation – Paula Kasurinen (Stadin Ammattiopisto, Finland) - £250
Paula’s hat was an ode to forest and fungi. Her hat was beautifully made and quirky. Her artwork stood out with beautiful hand- drawn illustrations and material samples.
second prize – Issi Roberts (Nottingham Trent University) - £1000
10 | the hat magazine #97
Issi’s dramatic hat was inspired by religious imagery and the use of burning candles to mark a person’s passing. The base was made from traditional millinery felt but Issi had also used needle felting to achieve the candles and wax drips.
Photos by Peter Clark
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