MEDIA KIT - Queensland Art Gallery

Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane
27 March – 27 June 2010
MEDIA KIT
Stephen Jones for Christian Dior Haute Couture / ‘Olga Sherer inspirée par Gruau’ Hat / Autumn Winter 2007–08 / © Christopher Moore/Catwalking
PRESENTED BY
SPONSORED BY
SUPPORTED BY
MEDIA PARTNER
Exhibition organised by the
Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

31 March 2010
MAJOR HATS EXHIBITION OPENS AT THE QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY
A major exhibition of historical, modern and haute couture hats is
now showing at the Queensland Art Gallery until June 27, 2010.
Gallery Director Tony Ellwood said ‘Hats: An Anthology by Stephen
Jones’ was an exhibition from London’s pre-eminent Victoria &
Albert Museum and was being presented exclusively in Australia at
the Queensland Art Gallery.
‘Exploring the art of millinery, ‘Hats’ is the result of a collaboration
between the V&A Museum and one of the world’s foremost
milliners, Stephen Jones, who we welcome to Brisbane for the
official opening of the exhibition,’ Mr Ellwood said.
Image: Stephen Jones © Justine Photography
‘The exhibition features more than 250 hats and iconic headpieces
from the V&A’s extensive collection and from Jones’s own archive,
as well as a selection of hats by seven Australian milliners.’
Mr Ellwood said the exhibition’s design was directly inspired by the V&A’s acclaimed presentation of the show.
‘Visitors are invited to explore a space inspired by a garden at twilight, with groupings of hats arranged like
decorative floral bouquets. The exhibition also includes a recreated milliner’s studio.
‘The exhibition presents an eclectic and fascinating array of hats including a 12th century Egyptian fez, Darth
Vader’s helmet (1977), a Baggy Green cap worn by Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden AM, and headwear
worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, Marlene Dietrich, Dita Von Teese, Mick Jagger and Kylie Minogue.
‘In a group entitled ‘Once Upon a Time’ there is a red silk turban from Prada’s Spring/Summer 2007 collection
and a traditional 19th century Punjabi turban.
‘Hats belonging to historical and cultural figures — whose images are indelibly associated with their hats —
are also on view including a black beret designed by Elsa Schiaparelli and worn by Marlene Dietrich in
Witness for the Prosecution (1957) and a delicate lace hat designed by Norman Hartnell for HM Queen
Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 1938.
There are also breathtaking designs created for some of the world’s great fashion houses, including Jean Paul
Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Christian Dior.
1/2

Mr Ellwood said that ‘Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones’ focused on the creative process of millinery as
well as the final product.
‘The exhibition follows the life of a hat through the stages of inspiration and creation to the salon and, finally, to
the client who gives it ultimate purpose and flourish,’ he said.
‘Visitors are encouraged engage in the whimsy and frivolity of hats, and at the same time learn about their
personal, cultural and historical significance.’
‘We’re very pleased to present this important international exhibition from the V&A with the addition of
contemporary Australian milliners, for local and national audiences to enjoy.
‘Visitors are also invited to try the art of millinery for themselves in the ‘Top Hats’ activity, which encourages
the creation of top hats, berets and bonnets inspired by the hats on display.’
Admission to ‘Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones’ is free.
2/2

EXHIBITION SUMMARY
“This is the magical power of the hat – its ability to reflect the
character of individuals but also to transform them into
someone else.” – Stephen Jones
“Just as I wouldn’t leave the house without a hat, I couldn’t do a
show without Stephen Jones” – John Galliano
The Queensland Art Gallery is the exclusive Australian venue
for this spectacular exhibition exploring the art of millinery.
'Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones' is the result of a
collaboration between London’s Victoria and Albert Museum
(V&A) and one of the world’s foremost milliners, Stephen
Jones. The exhibition presents more than 250 hats and iconic
headpieces from the V&A’s extensive collection and Jones’s
own archive, as well as hats by seven Australian milliners.
Image: Stephen Jones / © Peter Ashworth 2008
The exhibition includes historical items and iconic hats, such as
a twelfth-century Egyptian fez, a wide-brimmed black silk tulle
hat from Christian Dior’s first collection in 1948, Mary Quant’s
c.1968 navy blue beret, Darth Vader’s helmet from 1977 and
Stephen Jones’s 'Wash n' Go' hat, moulded from clear plastic
to resemble a splash of water, from Spring Summer 1993.
Also featured are hats worn by historical and cultural icons, such as Elsa Schiaparelli’s black felt beret worn by
Marlene Dietrich in Witness for the Prosecution in 1957; Philip Treacy’s bridal headpiece created for Camilla
Parker-Bowles's marriage to the Prince of Wales in 2005; and Jones’s own creations, such as Mick Jagger’s
hat worn for the Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang World Tour and Kylie Minogue’s visor headdress for her
Showgirl tour.
'Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones' examines the world of millinery from the inside out, following the life of
a hat through various stages, from inspiration and creation to the salon and, finally, to the client who gives the
hat its ultimate purpose and flourish.
The exhibition design to evokes a fantastical garden in which groups of hats are arranged like decorative floral
bouquets.
'Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones' provides an opportunity for audiences to delight in the frivolity of hats,
but also to learn about their personal, cultural and historical significance.

EXHIBITION DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Images: Installation views of ‘Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones’ at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. © V&A Images
Design
The V&A’s sumptuous presentation of ‘Hats’ was conceived by production designer Michael Howells, whose
credits include numerous films, performances, exhibitions and fashion sets, and the design of the Queensland
Art Gallery exhibition is directly inspired by this beautiful display. It evokes a garden at dusk, resplendent in
deep purple, with the hats presented as inviting bouquets.
Themes
The exhibition explores the world of hats and millinery through four themed sections, following the life of a hat
through various stages, from inspiration and creation, to the salon and finally to the client who gives the hat its
ultimate purpose and flourish.
Inspiration
A hat begins life as an idea in the mind of the milliner. The sources of inspiration are unending, and
often surprising. Historic hats redolent of romance and adventure are a constant source of inspiration
for many milliners. Simple folded shapes such as the tricorne and bicorne can be reimagined, evoking
the drama of a bygone age.
Architecture and geometry, travel and exoticism can all spark the maker’s imagination. The natural
world, too — flowers, feathers, the sea, animals and vegetation — offers inspiring forms and styles
that can be endlessly updated for new creations. Hats are unconstrained by the need for fastenings or
neck holes, sleeves or soles, opening a door of fashion possibilities.

Creation
The millinery workroom or atelier is the creative laboratory where hat designs are transformed from
ideas into reality. The methods, materials and tools have changed little in the past hundred years.
Milliners still work seated around a large table with their scissors, needles and thread. Straws, felts
and fabrics remain the key materials used to pin and shape prototype hats on a calico-covered head
known as a 'poupée'.
From these prototypes a hat mould ('block') can be taken. Usually of wood, the block is an essential
tool of the workroom. Milliners often amass a library of differently shaped blocks that can be used time
and again.
In the words of Stephen Jones, a milliner's workroom is 'half Aladdin's cave and half artist's studio', a
place where each hat is carefully coaxed into being.
The Salon
At the beginning of the 20th century, individual milliners turned the simple hat shop into an exclusive
space that enhanced their signature styles. This 'salon' environment, similar to that of haute couture
dress houses, offered the customer an intimate place to view, try and buy elegantly displayed hats.
Traditionally a good saloniste offered advice, recommending turban styles for those with large noses
or advising asymmetric styles to slim a wide face. However, the cardinal rule of hat-buying, as French
fashion editor Genevieve Dariaux noted, is to 'take the one you fall in love with, which mysteriously
"does something" for you, which magically makes you feel more beautiful'.
The Client
When the right client meets the right hat, the wearing begins. On the hat’s journey — from initial
inspiration, through construction, to the salon where it is tried and chosen — it is the client who
ultimately gives it life and launches it into the world. From royalty to revolutionaries, a hat frequently
becomes a signature feature for a well-known face, recognised as part of the personality of the
wearer.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Top Hats
Children and adults are invited to discover the art of designing hats in an interactive section of the exhibition.
Visitors will be able to create their own toppers, berets or bonnets using stencils inspired by the hats on
display, including the fantastical creations of milliner extraordinaire, Stephen Jones.
Top Hats is a Children’s Art Centre project. The CAC is sponsored by Santos.
Talks
In-conversation
11.30am Thursday 1 April | Cinema A, GoMA
Join Stephen Jones and Oriole Cullen, Curator of Modern Textiles and Fashion at the Victoria and Albert
Museum, London, for insights into the exhibition.
Talking Hats
2.00-4.00pm Sundays 23 May – 27 June | Upper Sculpture Courtyard, QAG
Join some of Brisbane’s leading fashionistas, including Kellie Alderman, Fashion and Beauty Editor at the
Sunday Mail; leading boutique owners Thea Basiliou (Blonde Venus) and Amber Long (Jean Brown); Suzi
Vaughan, academic and designer; and local milliners and stylists as they discuss the art of millinery and more.
Everyone who attends Talking Hats is entitled to a 10% discount at the Hats Salon from 2.00-5.00pm on the
day.
Lectures
The Australian Line
11.30am Thursday 8 April | Lecture Theatre, QAG.
Miranda Wallace (Senior Curator, Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art) introduces visitors to the
history of millinery in Australia.
Down Under: Rabbits, Hats and Other Artistic Confessions
2.00pm Friday 16 April | Cinema B, GoMA.
Stephen Hobson, artist and Lecturer in Art History, Queensland College of Art, draws upon his photographic
self portraiture since 2000 to explore the role of the hat in creating and challenging notions of identity. Hobson
traces the mythological and cultural significance of the rabbit as a feminine symbol, and relates this to the
history of the rabbit fur hat – in particular, the traditionally ‘masculine’ Australian Akubra hat.

Lectures (continued)
Perspectives on Men's Headwear Design
2.00pm Saturday 15 May | Lecture Theatre, QAG.
With a 30-year career collaborating with leading Australian and international designers to create specialist
headwear for the stage, screen and fashion industries, Sydney-based milliner Rosie Boylan discusses
perspectives on men’s headwear design in fashion and film, drawing on her professional role as in-house
principal Milliner and headwear stylist for the 2008 film Australia, and recent international research in Japan,
Europe, United Kingdom and United States of America.
Tours
Guided tours
11.00am daily (excluding 2 April) | QAG
Meet your volunteer guide at the Melbourne Street information desk.
Exhibition tour
12.00noon Saturday 1 May | QAG
Enjoy a tour of ‘Hats’ with Miranda Wallace (Senior Curator, Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art))
focusing on several major pieces included in the exhibition.
My Gen 50+
Short Course: Millinery & Design
10.00am-12noon Friday 30 April | QAG
Explore the fascinating world of millinery and design in a half-day program focusing on the ‘Hats: An Anthology
by Stephen Jones’ exhibition. From haute couture design to the mass-produced, join local industry
professionals for insights into the art of hats and design. Includes a behind-the-scenes look at millinery design
with textile conservator Michael Marendy and milliner Alexandra Harper, and exhibition tour with Miranda
Wallace, Senior Curator.

RETAIL AND MERCHANDISE
Hats Salon
To celebrate ‘Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones', the Gallery has
established a Hats Salon where visitors can purchase exclusive handmade
creations by leading milliners, many of whom have work featured in the
exhibition.
Shibuya : Multimedia Headdress by
Stephen Jones RRP$425
The range includes hats by international milliners Stephen Jones and Noel
Stewart, and leading Australian milliners such as Richard Nylon, Alexandra
Harper, Suzy O'Rourke, Melissa Jackson, Paula Walden and Liza Stedman.
Fall in love with a Stephen Jones Rose of Paris Headdress or be intrigued
by a cocktail hat with veil and acrylic smashed trim by Noel Stewart. As well
as many spectacular creations, there are lots of gorgeous hats suitable for
everyday wear.
There will also be a number of in-store appearances by milliners to assist you with finding the perfect hat. For
more information phone the Hats Salon on (07) 3840 7670.
A range of exhibition merchandise, exclusively from the Victoria & Albert Museum, will also be available in the
Hats Salon.
Publication
The exhibition catalogue Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones will be
available at the Hats Salon and Gallery stores at the special price of
$39.95 (normally $45). With a foreword by John Galliano, the book
features beautifully illustrated chapters examining the inspiration behind
the creation of hats, the history of their construction, the lure of the hat
shop and finally the etiquette and occasion of hat wearing for the client.
The catalogue and a selection of merchandise will also be for sale online
during the exhibition.
High Teas
Be amazed by the visual delights on offer with ‘Hats’ themed High Teas in the Foyer Bistro, GoMA, created by
the talented chefs of Caxton Street Catering. Cost is $35.00 per person, which includes a glass of champagne
and tea/coffee. Bookings essential, sittings available at 10.00am, 12 noon and 2.00pm. Tel: (07) 3842 9916.

Curator Biographies
Stephen Jones
Stephen Jones is one of the world’s leading milliners, working in London and
Paris. For the past thirty years his work has been at the forefront of the fashion
world. His hats regularly appear on the catwalks of Paris, London and New York
and his client-base ranges from royalty to rockstars. In 2010, Jones was
awarded an O.B.E by HM Queen Elizabeth for his services to millinery. He
collaborates with leading fashion designers including Christian Dior and John
Galliano. His work is represented in the permanent collections of the V&A, the
Louvre, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the
National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Oriole Cullen
Oriole Cullen is curator of Modern Textiles and Fashion at the Victoria and
Albert museum, London. A graduate of the Courtauld Institute, she
previously worked as curator for Dress and Decorative Arts at the Museum
of London where she co-curated 'The London Look: Fashion from Street to
catwalk' (2004). She is also responsible for the V&A's 'Fashion in Motion'
series, showcasing the work of contemporary designers and she lectures on
dress history and fashion.

Australian Milliners
The exhibition features a section on millinery in Australia, curated by the Queensland Art Gallery and profiling
the work of seven Australian hat makers.
Rosie Boylan (NSW)
Rosie Boylan’s career in millinery spans 30 years, and she has created hats for film and theatre as well as
fashion. Her designs have appeared in movies such as Moulin Rouge, Peter Pan, The Piano, Oscar and
Lucinda and The Proposition. For Baz Luhrmann’s film Australia, she worked with costume designer Catherine
Martin.
Neil Grigg (NSW)
With more than 30 years experience as a milliner, Neil Grigg has created hats and headpieces for Crown-
Princess Mary of Denmark and Australian personalities from TV, film and politics. Neil's initial training with
Betty Viazim gave him access to over 50 years experience in traditional model millinery. His background is
theatre millinery, working with Opera Australia on major productions and creating work for musicals and Las
Vegas-style shows. Neil has supplied fashion hats and headpieces to boutiques and large department stores
for more than 20 years.
Alexandra Harper (QLD)
Alexandra Harper studied music and law before completing headwear and millinery certificates at the Brisbane
North Institute of TAFE. She creates ranges of ready-to-wear hats, as well as unique personalised creations
for all occasions. Her hats have featured in Woman In Racing, L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Mercedes
Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane, and Winter Racing Carnival events.
http://www.alexandraharper.com.au
Peter Jago (VIC)
Peter Jago is known for his racing carnival millinery and for theatrical ‘showgirl’-style headwear, and as a
flamboyant spokesperson for the art at the annual Melbourne Cup racing carnival, where he judges ‘Fashions
on the Field’. Jago was the first milliner to be inducted into the Australian Racing Museum’s Hall of Fame. Born
in Brisbane, he spent his childhood years in Papua New Guinea, where he gained early inspiration from the
feathered head adornments worn by PNG highlanders. He trained as a theatrical costumer in Sydney, and
undertook an apprenticeship at Opera Australia.
Richard Nylon (VIC)
Richard Nylon is one of Australia’s most prominent milliners, known for his creative fashion millinery and as a
teacher and public speaker on the subject. Based in Melbourne, Nylon is self-taught. He teaches millinery to
fashion degree students at RMIT in Melbourne. Nylon is currently the president of the Australian Millinery
Association.
http://www.richardnylon.com

Suzy O’Rourke (NSW)
Suzy O’Rourke trained as a costume milliner in Sydney, but on graduation embarked on a career as a fashion
milliner rather than in theatre. She creates hats for social occasions and weddings, and undertakes special
commissions for fashion shoots. Her work has been seen in Harper’s Bazaar, Australian Vogue and fashion
press.
http://www.suzyorourke.com.au
Liza Stedman (VIC)
Liza Stedman Millinery was established in Melbourne, Australia in 1989. Liza has trained under style
luminaries Lucy Barlow and Stephen Jones and has collaborated with Australian clothing designers and
wholesale collections for retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, New York and Myer, as well as selected
boutiques. Liza's hats are in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria.
http://www.lizastedmanmillinery.com