Hats By The Sea

Next month, master milliner Stephen Jones OBE will fill the Royal Pavilion in Brighton with exquisite hats for a new exhibition – Stephen Jones Hats at the Royal Pavilion. Jones will create installations of his most glamorous and captivating hats throughout the exotic rooms of the Regency building, which was built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV more than 200 years ago. Hats from across Jones’ 40-year career will bring next-level glamour to the already spectacular staterooms. The exhibition is presented in partnership with Harvey Nichols.

Stephen Jones OBE said: “I grew up in a seaside town, but Brighton to me seemed exciting, exotic, and it symbolised art and freedom. In 2012, I designed a collection called ‘Chinoiserie-on-Sea’ for which I researched Brighton, and in particular the Pavilion, extensively; and it feels like showing my hats there is almost like a homecoming. I have never had the opportunity to display hats in the environment which inspired them.”

Jones has dressed the finest heads, across the globe – most recently the Duchess of Sussex, as well as Lady Gaga, Kate Moss and Mick Jagger. The site-specific exhibition will show hats worn by these celebrities, among others and also those made in collaboration with the world’s best fashion designers, including Dior, Thom Browne, Giles Deacon, Comme des Garçons, Marc Jacobs and Matty Bovan. Jones will create an exclusive capsule collection for Harvey Nichols for spring 2019, inspired by the exhibition.

Until 9 June, Royal Pavilion, Brighton UK