Maleficent Review
18 October 2019
Maleficent Mistress Of Evil in the New York Times
16 September 2019Angelina Jolie has a new mission and a new wardrobe. The movie’s costume designer explains how the original film and the follow-up led to these looks.
Maleficent Mistress Of Evil, October 2019
11 September 2019Justin Smith, milliner to Angelina Jolie.
INTERVIEW FOR THE BENYON ESTATE
10 September 2019An interview with Justin about his new shop in the De Beauvoir Quarter.
Financial Times How To Spend It
6 March 2019The Coburn Straw Topple from the Gold Collection is featured in the FT's How To Spend It Magazine, February 2019.
Photographed by Michael & Sandrine with styling by Hannah Teare.
Gold Collection Editorial
27 November 2018Gold collection editorial images can now be seen in the Bespoke section.
Photographer: Jenny Hands. Styling: Karl Plewka. Hair Direction: Justin Smith assisted by Ben Moth. Makeup and Grooming: Mary Jane Frost. Clothing: Yohji Yamamoto.
Hats Off to Hats
28 September 2018
Three iconic hats by J Smith Esquire including the Stained Glass Mask from the Illuminated collection, are featured in a forthcoming exhibition of hats from around the world, taking place at Speilzeug Welten Museum in Basel Switzerland, from October 20th. Further information about this wonderful exhibition can be found here.
Haute Dogs Calendar 2019
27 September 2018
J Smith Esquire is delighted to have contributed this gold feather and straw hat to the Haute Dogs calendar 2019 project with funds going to All Dogs Matter. You can read more about - and please contribute to - this important project by clicking here.
The Hat Magazine Interview
7 March 2018An interview with milliner Justin Smith in the February edition of The Hat Magazine from his new salon in London's de Beauvoir.
A very happy 2018 from J Smith Esquire
1 January 2018
Millinery for The Last Jedi by J Smith Esquire, working for designer Michael Kaplan. Photos by Vanity Fair.
J Smith Esquire in the Hat Magazine
7 December 2017A feature in issue #75 of The Hat Magazine on J Smith Esquire and the move to a brand new premises opening soon in London's De Beauvoir Town.
J Smith Esquire in GQ Magazine
13 November 2017An interview with Justin Smith for "House Rules" is in the December edition of GQ Magazine.
We are moving to new premises
14 September 2017J Smith Esquire is delighted to announce the opening of our brand new premises - an appointment only shop in the heart of London's De Beauvoir Town. We open very soon at 97 Southgate Road, London, N1 3JS.
Interview by Diane Pernet
29 August 2017An in-depth interview with Justin Smith by the wonderful Diane Pernet for her website A Shaded View On Fashion.
The Fundamentals of Fashion Design
17 August 2017Pictures of Justin Smith backstage at the presentation of his Flight collection are featured in The Fundamentals of Fashion Design by Richard Sorger and Jenny Udale.
Justin Smith in the Gladstonian Journal
18 July 2017Justin celebrates the art of bespoke craftsmanship in his interview for the Millinery Edition of the Gladstonian Journal by the superb Gladstone London.
Gold: the new collection
7 June 2017
Celebrating our tenth year with the launch of the Gold collection at a very special four-day exhibition of millinery and photography at Herrick Gallery, Piccadilly, London. Stunning couture showpieces, gorgeously desirable bespoke millinery and beautiful photography by Jenny Hands.
Photograph by Jenny Hands, styling by Karl Plewka, clothing by Yohji Yamamoto.
Gold: the installation
2 June 2017
Gold: the private view
1 June 2017
J Smith Esquire and YKK
21 May 2017
Six pieces created by J Smith Esquire using YKK gold zips are now on display at the wonderful YKK London Showroom. These are the first pieces to be seen from the new J Smith Esquire collection which launches on 31st May 2017. These pieces showcase in arresting and beautiful new ways, what can be done in millinery with YKK’s amazing materials. On show at YKK London Showroom until 26th June 2017. Our thanks to Kei, Anna and Sabine for their help and kindness. Photograph by Jenny Hands.
J Smith Esquire and YKK private view
18 May 2017Photos from the private view of J Smith Esquire for YKK.
Millinery Essentials at Pinewood Studios
15 May 2017
Classic millinery techniques, foundations skills and an introduction to hat blocks in a workshop environment taught by Justin Smith at Pinewood Studios on behalf of Creative Media Skills.
J Smith Esquire on Instagram
26 April 2017Follow the bespoke commissions and special pieces @jsmithesquire
"Adornment" by Camille Sanson
18 April 2017
New Zealand photographer Camille Sanson who photographed the Black collection for J Smith Esquire, presents a series of photographs for Queen’s Wharf reflecting the female mask and the human fascination with adornment and makeup throughout time. The Adornment Series was created over the past 5 years in collaboration with a variety of artists including J Smith Esquire. Follow us on Instagram for pictures from the exhibition. For more information about Camille Sanson and Adornment click here.
"Le Cirque Macabre"
18 April 2017Le Cirque Macabre, a collection from 2005, is now in the Bespoke section.
"Flight"
10 January 2017Flight, a collection from 2005, is now in the Bespoke section.
Justin Smith wins the GENERALI FUTURE Award at ITS 2016
19 July 2016
Justin received the award at the ITS 2016 15th Utopia live from Trieste. Read more.
"By The Sea"
1 December 2015Hats for Angelina and Brad's characters are featured in the movie poster.
"Pan"
1 September 2015Kathy Burke's nun's cornette and Amanda Seyfried's rolled brim cloche.
"The Man From U.N.C.L.E."
14 August 2015Bespoke commissions for Alicia Vikander and Armie Hammer.
J Smith Esquire for Aganovich A/W 2015
6 March 2015Asymmetric Fedoras for the A/W 2015 collection by Aganovich.
J Smith Esquire in Vogue Italia
19 February 2015Styled by Patti Wilson. Photographed by Steven Klein.
The newly weds
29 September 2014Amal wears a cream wide brimmed sun hat made by J Smith Esquire for her wedding day. Best wishes to Mr and Mrs Clooney.
"Black" Private View
19 August 2014Flickr Photostream for the "Black" private view at Good Times Tattoo.
Installing "Black"
18 August 2014Flickr photostream of the installation taking shape at Good Times Tattoo.
"Black"
8 August 2014Announcing the private view of "Black" by J Smith Esquire.
Swarovski Elements Magazine
4 August 2014Cover portrait of Justin Smith by Camille Sanson.
"Maleficent"
28 May 2014Created for Angelina Jolie by J Smith Esquire.
J Smith Esquire for Aganovich A/W 2014
3 March 2014A top hat for the A/W 2014 collection by Aganovich.
"Destination"
13 December 2013
The notion that every hat makes its own individual journey has inspired the new S/S 2014 collection by J Smith Esquire. "Destination" is a celebration of travel and the excitement of exploring the four corners of the globe, an homage to every journey made by each hat during its time on the planet, whether long or short, with or without its wearer.
Each of these bespoke headpieces is handcrafted from classic atlas fabric, hand dyed to accentuate its heritage quality. Maps of the world have been transformed into a Sun Hat, Waterproof Sou’wester, Flat Cap, Crush Proof Boater, Visor, Panama, and a J Smith Esquire Signature Rolled Brim Trilby. A signature Kit Bag completes the collection.
"Destination" is a strictly limited edition collection. Each piece bears a unique number embroidered inside the hat, and the fabric from which each is made depicts a different part of the world. Pieces from the collection, including bespoke commissions, can be purchased by contacting J Smith Esquire.
"Signature"
15 May 2013
Hand-made, hand-finished, double-blocked, luxury felt and leather signature hats by J Smith Esquire for A/W 2013. Each is finished with a nappa leather and gold trim, and a limited edition Liberty print lining. Click below to view the complete collection. Click here to download the Signature A/W 2013 Look Book.
J Smith Esquire for Stella McCartney
14 May 2013
A unique baseball cap in wool felt for Stella McCartney A/W 2013.
"Olivia Untitled 2013"
2 February 2013The first in a series of very special commissions for 2013.
"Fascinación 2013"
1 February 2013The second in a series of special commissions for 2013.
J Smith Esquire for (es)* Artisanal, Milano
27 September 2012
A collection of eight, ready-to-wear, black draped turbans, hand-made by J Smith Esquire for Once Upon My Time: an installation of the S/S 2013 collection by (es)* Artisanal.
The installation included a couture centrepiece in draped, vintage silk, encrusted with Swarovski crystals. This is the first time that a collaboration between Justin Smith and Fabrizio Talia has been shown in Milan.
BT Artbox
27 June 2012J Smith Esquire's contribution to the BT ArtBox project can be seen in Park Lane in central London.
"Jubilee"
16 June 2012A collection of sixteen one-off couture pieces. Each has been hand-made by the team at J Smith Esquire to celebrate this very English summer.
J Smith Esquire at Hatwoman
19 April 2012Couture Parrot Headdresses from the Air collection in the shop window of Hatwoman in central Hong Kong.
J Smith Esquire for Cunnington & Sanderson
2 March 2012Selections from the Invincible collection at ON | OFF in Paris.
J Smith Esquire at On | Off in Paris March 2012
24 February 2012J Smith Esquire at the On | Off Exhibition at Espace Commines in Paris, March 1st to Saturday March 3rd inclusive.
J Smith Esquire for Emilio de la Morena
21 February 2012Emilio de la Morena A/W 2012 ready-to-wear Collection. Little Bow Hairbands by J Smith Esquire.
"Invincible"
17 February 2012A new J Smith Esquire collection for A/W 2012.
Interview - Lancia Trendvisions
8 February 2012
"I don't try to be fashionable. I don't think of what the next fashion trend is. I just do things that I love."
J Smith Esquire for (es)* Artisanal
1 February 2012Three couture pieces created for "At Land" by (es)* Artisanal. The installation by Fabrizio Talia took place at the Galleria d'Arte Moderna in Rome on January 29th 2012.
"Air Squared"
15 November 2011Air Squared is a collection of 48 new looks for S/S 2012 inspired by Justin's expeditions to Indonesia as winner of the British Council Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in 2010.
This collection was first shown together with Oscar Lawalata during Jakarta fashion week 2011, with the support of the British Council and Femina Group. "Air Squared" follows on from the "Air" collection first shown earlier this year in London and Paris. Catwalk photos from the Jakarta presentation can be seen below.
Aganovich, Paris 09/2011
29 September 2011The collaboration with Aganovich continues this season with a show on the first day of Paris Fashion week. Click the image below to see more photos.
Photos from the Guoman Hotels exhibition
27 September 2011A photostream of the exhibition Guoman Hotels presents J Smith Esquire: 5. Click the image below to see the full set of pictures.
Diane Pernet reviews Justin's exhibition at Guoman Hotels
19 September 2011Diane says: "The event of the evening for me was the amazingly beautiful retrospective of Justin Smith Esqure at the lovely Guoman Hotel." Click the image below to read Diane's review.
S/S 2012 and Guoman Hotels - Latest Press Coverage
18 September 2011Click here to read coverage at fashion156.com.
Click here to read the story in Modem Mag.
Click here to read the story in Wonderland Magazine.
Coverage in Vogue Italia can be seen by clicking here.
Click here to read the British Council preview report.
J Smith Esquire presents AIR - the new S/S 2012 collection
16 September 2011Ready-to-wear Cloud Hats, hand finished straw confections, each hat individually double-dyed with unique clouds and a signature drawstring headfitting to ensure one-size-fits-all.
Ready-to-Wear Feather Headpieces, gorgeous silk-bound millinery bands with large and small hand-made feathers, hand tailored, one size fits all.
Couture Parrot Headdresses, dramatic, ceremonial couture works of art, showcasing the skills of Artisan, Craftsman and Sculptor. Each and every feather has been hand-cut from twin layers of fine suede in vibrant Macaw colours, while Venetian-style masks sparkle beneath in Swarovski Crystal Chain.
The ready-to-wear collection will preview at Headonism during London Fashion Week, opening with a private view sponsored by Ascot, on the 16th of September from 5pm to 7pm. A showroom follows for the remainder of London Fashion Week from 16th to 21st September.
The couture collection will be presented as part of a special exhibition at The Royal Horseguards Hotel on 16th September from 7.30 to 9.00pm.
The exhibition is called Guoman presents J Smith Esquire: 5 and will launch five bespoke hats, specially created for the London hotels in the Guoman Hotels group. Alongside the doormen's hat collection, are the Parrot Headdresses and a compendium of showpieces and collaborations from the last five years of J Smith Esquire millinery. The exhibition continues for four weeks.
The Red and Green Macaw headdress was first shown in July 2011 at Rome Couture Fashion week, at the Limited Unlimited exhibition curated by Susanna Cucco and suppported by Silvia Fendi. Justin has created five one-off pieces for Agi & Sam's fourth collection, for an exhibition at Somerset Hourse on the 21st of September. Agi & Sam are supported by Fashion East and Newgen Installations. Justin will also be working with Aganovich on their Paris show on 27th September and will be collaborating on a major show for Jakarta Fashion Week in November 2011.
'Hats - An Anthology by Stephen Jones' opens in New York
13 September 2011'Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones' has now been installed at the Bard Graduate Centre (BGC) in New York including work by Justin Smith. It will be open to the public between 15th September 2011 and 15th April 2012. For more details please click here.
Justin interviewed in Grazia Magazine
26 August 2011A feature on Justin can be seen online in Grazia Magazine. Click the image below to see the feature.
Justin visits Indonesia for the British Council YFE Award
20 August 2011A photostream of the site visit to Indonesia for the British Council Young Fashion Entrepreneur Award. Click the image below to see the full set of pictures.
J Smith Esquire for (es)* Artisanal, Alta Roma July 2011
30 June 2011Justin presented a couture piece as part of a collaboration with Fabrizio Talia for (es)* Artisanal, Alta Roma July 2011. For press information please contact lauren@blow.co.uk.
J Smith Esquire at Limited / Unlimited Exhibition at Alta Roma
30 June 2011J Smith Esquire presented a couture piece at Limited / Unlimited Exhibition during Alta Roma, Rome's couture fashion week. This was the first piece from Justin's upcoming London Fashion Week presentation. For press information please contact lauren@blow.co.uk.
Justin and Fabrizio Talia in Italian Vogue
2 April 2011A video report on Vogue Talents and a gallery of the show can be found in Italian Vogue by clicking the image below.
Aganovich, Paris 03/2011
17 March 2011Justin showed Hats and Accessories with Aganovich with a show at Palais de Tokyo during Paris Fashion week on March 1st 2011. Click below to see more pictures.
Collaboration with Aganovich for Paris Fashion Week
24 February 2011Justin will be showing Hats and Accessories with Aganovich with a show at Palais de Tokyo during Paris Fashion week on March 1st 2011. Anyone wishing to attend the show, please email People's Revolution (see the flyer below) for a standing place at the show. Click here to see the pictures in the Collaboration section.
Paris Fashion Showpiece at RA
24 February 2011Justin will be exhibiting a showpiece duruing Paris Fashion week from the 4th - 7th March at the RA showroom in the Marais in Paris. Below is the flyer and the womenswear PDF.
Collaboration with Mother of Pearl
24 February 2011Justin has collaborated with Mother of Pearl on their collection for a second season. Showcasing as follows:
Galerie Vivienne
75002 PARIS
(just in front of the tea room, the main entrance can be found at 4 Rue Des Petits Champs). Click here for a map.
Please feel free to pop along, say hello to Amy and view the collection. You can make an appointment to view by contacting amy@motherofpearl.co.uk and fsdeschamps@wanadoo.fr
Florence Deschamps (Paris Sales Agent)
T: +33 (0)1 45 04 16 18
M:+33 (0)6 03 54 50 03
Illuminated - Showroom at Paris Fashion Week
26 September 2010The new Spring / Summer 2011 collection from J Smith Esquire is called Illuminated. The showroom will take place from 1st - 3rd October during Paris Fashion Week
Hours 10am to 9pm
People's Revolution
3rd Floor
14 rue Portefoin
75003 Paris
For an appointment please call Justin directly on +44 7788 807 563
Justin Smith, Fabrizio Talia and Georgio Armani
24 September 2010Justin Smith and Fabrizio Talia meet Georgio Armani during the exhibition of Italian Vogue's young talented designers at Milan Fashion Week. Click the image below to see the video.
Justin is Young Fashion Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011
19 September 2010Justin has won the British Council Young Fashion Entrepreneur Of The Year Award 2011 for his proposal to travel to Indonesia to study and work with local designers.
You can read all about the award by clicking here.
Kelis wears J Smith Esquire
31 July 2010Kelis performed live at T4 on the Beach wearing J Smith Esquire.
Justin at Milan Fashion Week
24 July 2010Justin has been invited to exhibit during Milan fashion week at a three-day exhibition of Italian Vogue's young talented designers which will take place at Palazzo Morando, a museum in the city centre.
The opening will be on Wednesday 22nd September in the evening. Franca Sozzani and Anna Wintour will host the opening.
Justin will be showing the complete Spring / Summer 2010 collection for buyers and journalists. More news of this event soon.
Matthew Herbert
8 June 2010Justin's hats will be worn by Matthew Herbert during his forthcoming live performances due to take place in June and July in the UK and Europe. Click on "continue" below to see one of the hats, as worn at the premiere of Herbert's "One Club" tour at the TransMusicales festival in Russia.
Manish Arora, Paris A/W 2010
5 March 2010Headpieces for Manish Arora AW 2010 were made by J Smith Esquire. Click here to see a review of the show in Dazed Digital. You can see the Telegraph video of the show by clicking here. Click here for the Huffington Post.
Justin at Paris Fashion Week
26 February 2010During Paris Fashion Week, Justin will be taking private appontments to view his A/W 10 collection, Shade, in a showroom in Paris.
To make an appointment please email justin@jsmithesquire.com
or call +44 7788 807 563.
Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year Award
25 February 2010Justin Smith has been shortlisted for the British Council Young Fashion Entrepreneur Of The Year Award and will be travelling to Indonesia during the 2nd week of March to study and work with local designers. You will be able to follow Justin's activities on Twitter. Details to follow shortly.
Autumn/Winter 2010 collection: Shade
20 February 2010Justin Smith invites you to a secret London underworld where a treasure trove of hand-made confections are waiting in the dark. Shade is a collection of classic millinery, referencing themes from such sources as Neil Gaiman’s novel Neverwhere and Victorian / Edwardian theatre and street life, all reinvented with the J Smith Esquire signature, to create a new steampunk couture.
The Shade collection includes bags designed by Justin and brought to life in collaboration with Chloe Shinnie, a fine artist, currently completing her Masters in Fashion Accessories at the Royal College of Art.
Shade will be installed at 72, Old Compton Street, Soho, London W.1. on Saturday 20th February 2010. Following this private viewing, the new collection will transfer to Somerset House where it will be exhibited as part of London Fashion Week until 24th February 2010.
Click here to view the Shade collection.
Aminaka Wilmont A/W 2010
19 February 2010Click below to see pictures from the catwalk show.
Justin Smith in the Telegraph
8 October 2009Hats from the Light collection feature in Hilary Alexander's video report in the Telegraph on the opening of London Fashion Week. Click here to see read the report and see the video.
Justin Smith designs for Moschino
1 October 2009Justin has colloborated with Moschino to create a number of hats for the Moschino Ready To Wear collection for Spring 2010 which premiered in Milan on 26th September. A video of the show will be available to watch here shortly.
In the meantime, click on “continue” below to view see images from the Moschino show.
Moschino, Milan S/S 2010
20 September 2009Justin has colloborated with Moschino to create a number of hats for the Moschino Ready To Wear collection for Spring 2010 which premiered in Milan on 26th September 2009. Click below to see images from the Moschino catwalk show.
Aganovich, Paris S/S 2010
19 September 2009Justin Smith has created three one-off pieces for Aganovich which will be exhibited in a presentation exhibition in Paris. Click here to read more about this event.
Aminaka Wilmont S/S 2010
18 September 2009Justin's Light ready-to-wear collection appears as a catwalk show in collaboration with Aminaka Wilmont. Click here to read a show report from Vogue.
Spring Summer 2010 Collection: Light
18 September 2009Justin Smith's new collection for Spring Summer 2010 is called Light. The collection premiers on Friday 18th September during London Fashion Week at Somerset House.
The couture collection is shown as part of Headonism, a British Fashion Council initiative, curated by Stephen Jones, celebrating the new wave of emerging London milliners. The ready to wear collection appears as a catwalk show in collaboration with Aminaka Wilmont. A showroom for both collections can be seen during London Fashion Week, in the East Wing at Somerset House.
2 pieces of knitwear for the couture collection have been made by knitwear designer Julia Neill who has also designed for Matthew Williamson, John Rocha, Unconditional, Weardowney and Pyrus.
Click here to see the Light collection.
Click here to see a video of the Aminaka Wilmot catwalk show featuring the Light Collection.
Click here to see the lookbook for the Aminaka Wilmot collection featuring the Light Collection.
Justin Smith designs for Aganovich
18 September 2009Justin Smith has created three one-off pieces for Aganovich which will be exhibited in a presentation exhibition in Paris on the 1st of October at:
Galerie Anne De Villepoix
43 rue de Montmorency
75003 Paris
Justin Smith designs for Hobbs
18 September 2009Justin has designed one made-to-order and one ready-to-wear piece for Hobbs' Autumn 2009 Limited Edition collection: beautifully cut, hand-crafted clothing, footwear and accessories made from the most luxurious fabrics and leathers, in strictly limited quantities. The Limited Edition collection launches at the end of September 2009.
J. Smith esquire Sample Sale!
28 April 2009Saturday 2nd May, 12 – 6pm at:
‘The Art of Contemporary Millinery’
The Mernier Gallery
51 Southwark St, London
SE1 1RU
CASH ONLY
Tell your friends, and see you there!
Justin taking part in The Art of Contemporary Millinery
23 April 2009To celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Hat Magazine, the publication is bringing together, for the first time, an exceptional collection of designers, including Justin Smith, whose work could be described as wearable modern art.
“The Art of Contemporary Millinery” will take place from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May 2009 at:
The Menier Gallery
51 Southwark Street
London SE1 1RU
For further details, click here to download a .pdf flyer.
Stephen Jones/V&A video interview with Suzy Menkes, featuring Justin Smith's millinary
27 March 2009Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones is a collaboration between the V&A and one of the world’s foremost hat designers, Stephen Jones. Justin has made a tattoo top hat, personally commissioned by Stephen Jones, for the show.
The hat was recently featured as part of a video interview posted on the International Herald Tribune's website. In the video, Suzy Menkes takes a tour of the V&A exhibit with milliner Stephen Jones. Click here to view.
Further information on the show can be found at www.vam.ac.uk
080 Barcelona Fashion - press coverage
27 March 2009Justin's appearance at 080 Barcelona Fashion received good press. Click here for an overview by culture.france2.fr, or here to view an interview with him by El Fashionista.
Blow PR
25 March 2009J Smith esquire is now being represented by Blow PR. His Three collection will be on display at Blow's offices during their press days, 1st - 3rd April 2009.
Contact details for Blow can be found in the Contact section of this site. Alternatively, please visit their own site, www.blow.co.uk
Paris Fashion Week: “Three” showcase at Maria Luisa
4 March 2009J Smith Esquire will be showcasing the A/W 09 collection “Three” at Maria Luisa during Paris Fashion Week.
Selected pieces from the collection will be on display at the shop. Justin will be taking bookings to view the complete collection in-store for buyers who wishing to view. You can make an appointment with Justin by telephoning +44 7788 807 563 by emailing justin@jsmithesquire.com.
Maria Luisa staff will also be on-hand for enquiries about the collection and to make bookings.
J Smith esquire: a film by Yuval Hen
25 February 2009Justin Smith commissioned a film for his A/W 09 collection, “Three”. The film was directed by Yuval Hen and edited by Tom Palliser. It was shown at On|Off at London Fashion Week and will be shown at 080 Barcelona Fashion as part of Barcelona Fashion Week. Click on “continue” below to view.
Justin's “Three” collection added to the Millinery gallery
25 February 2009Click here to preview Justin's A/W09 “Three” collection in full.
The “Three” lookbook can be downloaded as a .pdf by clicking here.
Credits for the On|Off “Three” installation can be read by clicking here.
fashion156.com on Justin Smith
24 February 2009fashion156.com have published two articles on Justin. The first is a feature review of Justin's On|Off installation, “Three”. The second is an overview of his previous collections.
Justin participating in "Exploring Contemporary Hats and Headwear" symposium at V&A
20 February 2009Justin will be taking part in a one-day symposium organised to accompany the V&A’s major exhibition Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones. The day features milliners, curators, writers and academics discussing the language of contemporary hats and headwear. Talks explore both the design and making of hats, and the socio-cultural context for how and when they are worn. Click 'continue' to read the full programme.
Exploring Contemporary Hats and Headwear
Friday 20 March 2009, 10.30-17.30
Seminar Room 3, Victoria & Albert Museum
£45, £5 students
www.vam.ac.uk/tickets
Tel: 020 7942 2211
J Smith esquire at London Fashion Week: “Three”
19 February 2009J Smith esquire, “Three”
A/W 2009 Installation Show
21st February 2009, 9pm-10.30pm
On|Off, Science Museum, South Entrance, Level 2
Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD
“Sometimes I wear strawberry tarts or birds on my head, you should see my apartment” Elke Koska.
Justin Smith’s new collection for A/W 2009 premiers as an installation at On|Off, The Royal Academy Of Arts on February 21st, 2009, 9pm-10.30pm.
Three is a safari through a strange new country. Journey through a menagerie of eccentric human characters and exotic animals, all wild and free in their natural habitat. A new collection made from unwashed denim with leather and sherpa trimmings, all designed to age and fade beautifully. Sculptural, un-washed luxuries from the wilderness.
Two of the hats are previewed at fashion156.com: here and here.
A showroom for the collection begins the following day at On|Off and Felicities Showroom. For an appointment to see the collection please ring 020 7377 6030 or email rebecca@felicities.co.uk
Click “continue” below to read the full credits for “Three”.
Pet Shop Boys sporting a J Smith esquire hat at The Brits
18 February 2009Tonight at The Brits, the Pet Shop Boys were presented with the ‘Outstanding Contribution To Music’ award. During their showcase performance, Neil Tennant wore an oversized top/bowler hat, one of Justin's earliest designs. View the hat at www.telegraph.co.uk or click "continue" to watch their multimedia show…
Forthcoming Collaborations
18 February 2009Justin has a number of collaborations lined up for the coming months.
Four of his hats are featured in Jaiden rVa James' AW09 London Fashion Week collection. Jaiden rVa James write: “We have long admired the designs and work that Justin Smith produces. We thought that there would be no better match to understand and translate the darkness of this collection, into hats. The time and effort he puts into the construction of all his pieces ceases to amaze and he is a very talented man. We are more then thrilled that we had the opportunity to work with such a creative individual“. The hats that Justin produced conjure the spirit of a Shakespearian dark knight emerging from the mist elegantly restrained. They double up both as protection and as confinement.
Justin is working with Reem on headwear for Tokyo Fashion Week.
Aganovitch and Justin are collaborating on headwear for their March presentation in London.
A collaboration is planned with Sarah Easom - Fashion Forward finalist S/S09.
Finally, Justin is working for Hobbs on one ready-to-wear hat in an edition of 50-100, and one handmade-to-order hat. Look out for the Hobbs collaboration in September.
"Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones" at V&A
17 February 2009Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones is a collaboration between the V&A and one of the world’s foremost hat designers, Stephen Jones.
Justin has made a tattoo top hat, personally commissioned by Stephen Jones, for the show. Click "continue" below to view.
This exhibition in the Porter Gallery will display more than 300 hats chosen with the expert eye of a milliner. On display will be hats ranging from an Egyptian Anubis mask dating from 600BC to a 1950s Balenciaga hat and couture creations by Jones and his contemporaries. To show the universal appeal and delight of wearing hats, Jones has included a wide variety of styles including top hats, berets and a child’s plastic tiara.
Displayed in a magical, box-hedged, Baroque garden setting, Hats An Anthology will be the V&A’s first exhibition devoted to hats, with many pieces from its extensive hat collection on display for the first time.
Further information on the show can be found at www.vam.ac.uk
Justin at 080 Barcelona Fashion
16 February 2009Justin Smith will be competing at 080 Barcelona Fashion as part of Barcelona Fashion Week. This event is an initiative of the Catalan Government in collaboration with the Barcelona City Council, aiming to position the Catalan capital as an international reference for avant-garde fashion and provide a platform for young, emerging or independent designers. March 16th - 19th, 2009, in Barcelona: four days of catwalk shows, showroom and parallel activities for invited international press and buyers. www.080barcelonafashion.com
Justin Smith interview online at The Fashion Pack
11 February 2009The Fashion Pack writes: "A combination of Dita von Teese, Isabella Blow tributes and a global recession that's left people looking back to days gone by have helped reintroduce a touch of class known as the hat. And thank goodness, because it gives people all the more reason to talk about great creative minds like Justin Smith."
Click here to read their interview with Justin.
Justin teaches at Madrid's IED Moda Lab
18 January 2009Justin was invited to teach at Madrid's IED Moda Lab. Over five days in January, he lectured 150 students on his work. These students then were set a task by Justin to design a hat incorporating wire. Click "continue" to see images from the workshop and the fantastic results of the students labour.
Reasons to be cheerful…
4 December 2008Justin Smith has been voted by Sophie Richardson as one of her December reasons to be cheerful.
Pictures from Justin's show at [moment], Riga
5 November 2008At the end of October Riga and the fashion, art and music event of the year [moment] shot by Mareunrol's welcomed more than 30 Latvian and foreign designers from 15 countries and their latest collections and works. This year [moment] took place in Riga Art Space. The artistic curator of the event was the well-known and innovative Latvian fashion duo Mareunrol's, whose name garnishes the project title as well.
Photos from Justin's catwalk show at [moment], where he and his assistants styled his models live on stage, can be viewed here.
j Smith Esquire on show this week at The Box, Paris
1 October 2008Justin will be showing his wares at The Box, Paris from 3rd - 6th October 2008. The Box is "intimate and sophisticated, the must of 'High Fantasy' accessories". Visit their website for further details.
The Box
The meeting place for accessory labels
From October 3rd to 6th 2008
Le Grand Hôtel - InterContinental Paris
12, boulevard des Capucines
10am to 7pm
Justin Smith - video interview at On|Off
28 September 2008To view a video of Justin interviewed backstage at his recent London Fashion Week On|Off show, please click on "continue"...
Paris Window Display: Thorp of London
27 September 2008Justin will be exhibiting different hats from his new Kaleidescope collection every two days as a window display for Thorp of London from 29th September till the 8th October.
The address for the store is 10 Avenue de Villars , 75007 Paris. Visitors can see the displays, consult look books for the collections inside the store and make a personal appointment.
For further information contact +44 7788 807 563 or email Justin by clicking here
In the September 08 issue of Interview Magazine, the legendary hatter picks Justin as his one to watch... "It is very refreshing to see a different point of view in millinery at last," says master British hatmaker Stephen Jones of nominee Justin Smith. "Justin's hats have culture, and they are original." Jones is also been quoted in the September 08 issue of Grazia as saying, "Justin's work is exciting because he makes hats which challenge the aesthetics set by myself or Philip Treacy." Click here to see Justin's complete Kaleidescope collection. "The next important step is for more people to discover the talents of Mr Smith. He certainly proved that there is far more to modern hats than those seen on WAGS at the races. If any buyers are looking for that extra something to add to their boutique, or stylists are searching for finishing touches to a look, this is the designer they should reach for." Read the full show review at www.urbanjunkies.com Click "continue" to view Justin's sublime and fun Spring/Summer 2009 runway collection, presented at On/Off, London, 16 September 2008. A film by Pierre Dubusschere on the up and coming milliner's S/S 09 collection. Dazed Digital went to the J Smith Esquire S/S 09 show and filmed it and gave a new perspective on the milliner's collection. Watch the film on www.dazeddigital.com www.fashion156.com A small selection of Justin Smith's A/W08 collection 'Dance With Me' is now available at Palette London. Click here to view the 'Dance With Me' catwalk film. Justin Smith's third independent collection for Spring and Summer 2009 is called Kaleidoscope. The first showing takes place at the Royal Academy Of Arts on September 16th as part of On|Off. After receiving much press attention for his previous two shows, Kaleidoscope takes Justin's signature styles to the next level of artistry. The quicksilver milliner's skill deceives the eye of the beholder and every hat in this collection showcases a different technique to amazing effect. Mesmirizing, sparkly, interchangeable shapes that are seen and not seen, there and not there, suspended by as if by magic, combine together to make amazing, collectable, multi-part hats that are more than the sum of their deliciously colourful parts. Kaleidoscope is a collection of fascinating, hand-made millinery pieces that can be worn singly or in clusters, coming together to make any number of ingenious combinations; from pop-up sun hats to origami headbands, fringes and finger waves, buttons and bows, dream-catchers and foil-blocked feathers, endlessly combinable, uncontrollably creative. Transparent, pearlescent, iridescent, incandescent: twirl the Kaleidoscope and a myriad styles unfurl. J Smith Esquire's tattooed top hat has been bought by the museum of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology for their permanent collection, and is to be displayed in this Autumn's "Gothic: Dark Glamour" exhibition. Exploring the influence of Gothic culture on high fashion, this promises to be one of the largest and most exciting exhibitions in the Museum's history. The exhibition will be on display from September 5th 2008 to February 21st 2009, and will include about 100 looks by designers such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, Visit www.fitnyc.edu for more information, or click "continue" to read FIT's press release. Click here to read Justin interviewed by Robbie Spencer on the Dazed & Confused website. Please visit the Current Collection pages of this site's Millinery section to view images of Justin's "Dance With Me" collection. These hats were debuted during this February's Fashion Week as a part of On|Off. Video footage of Justin's Dance With Me catwalk show can be watched by clicking "continue", below. Justin's designed hats for Deryck Walker's Autumn/Winter 2008 collection, shown as a part of On|Off. Photographs from the show can be found in the J Smith Esquire archive. Video footage of Deryk's catwalk show can be seen by clicking "continue", below. The International Herald Tribune's Jessica Michault interviewed Justin for their website. Click "continue" below to watch the video. Justin's current collection will be on display at Valery Demure's showroom during this Spring's Paris Fashion Week. Established in 2003 On|Off is now considered the life blood of British fashion. Taking place during London Fashion Week (February and September at the Royal Academy of Arts, On|Off puts London Fashion Week back on the map for international press and buyers by uniquely bridging the gap between on and off schedule designers. On|Off have sponsored Justin to show at this February's event, in exchange for the honour of making this season's showpiece. Justin Smiths's catwalk show for On|Off will be on 8th February 2008, at 8pm. For further details please visit their website. Known for launching the careers of British fashions Royalty, the New Gen award is a scheme set up with the British Fashion Council to search for and financially support up-and-coming British-based fashion designers. Previous winners have included Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Julian MacDonald, Matthew Williamson, Clements Riberio, Antonio Berardi and Hussein Chalayan. Justin has been selected to show at the New Gen stand at this years London Fashion Week. International Talent Support is a fashion competition for young fashion designers, photographers and fresh graduates of fashion schools from all around the world. From the 25 finalists, Justin has won two awards. The i-D Styling Award gives Justin an eight page spread in i-D Magazine and a budget to support the content, while the prize for the Maria Luisa Award is a window display in this prestigious Paris fashion store during Paris Fashion Week. Justin will be making hats for Deryck Walker's show at the On|Off fashion shows taking place during London's Fashion week at the Royal Academy of Arts Justin's MA graduation collection was shown in late May at the Royal College of Art to great acclaim from the press, his peers and tutors. If you would like to experience the collection for yourself, please follow the link below to see a video of the catwalk performances. Justin will be showing his final MA collection at the Royal College of Art along with the menswear and womenswear students on 23rd and 24th May 2007. Tickets are now available for the afternoon shows at 4.00 pm and 3.00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, priced £12, and the evening champagne reception at 6.15 pm on 23 May, priced £25. The Royal College of Art is on Kensigton Gore adjacent to the Royal Albert Hall. You can reserve tickets by telephoning 020 7590 4566 or via the following weblink: http://www.rca.ac.uk/show2007/fashionticket At a gathering at London's 'Pure' fashion fair today, Stephen Jones named Justin Smith the 'Hat Designer of the Year' for 2006. Jones set the design brief and headed the jury for the annual competition organised by The Hat Magazine. Jones, who is celebrating 25 years in the fashion business, asked entrants to design six hats for 25 years hence: the year 2031. Justin designed a collection based on recycling. Announcing the winner, Jones congratulated Justin for his "meticulous attention to detail" and his "luxurious styling". He concluded that: "Justin had studied the brief and had really used his design talent to create ... an excellent collection." MTV has commissioned J Smith Esquire to design and make bespoke hats for the five members of the C'MONS for the video for their song C'mon C'mon. The band is currently promoting the Opel Corsa in association with MTV. Justin responded to the gothic-burlesque brief with cocktail hats incorporating stingray leather and feathers for the girls Cherrie and Moo, a mohican of antique dog's teeth for White and distressed leather top hats for the boys Red and Blue. Visit the C'MONS website or click continue to see the video stills. Yesterday evening at the annual Ladies' Banquet of the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers of London, Lady Howard presented Justin Smith with the Feltmaker Award For Hat Design for 2006. The prize is awarded annually for a commercially viable ladies' hat design incorporating wool felt or fur felt. The competition is open to students, trainees and apprentices based in the UK. The judges were Bill Horsman, Eda Rose-Lawson, Freddie Fox, Ian Wright, Rachel Trevor-Morgan and Sophie Armstrong-Brown of East and Carole Denford, fashion editor of The Hat Magazine.
Interview Magazine: Stephen Jones nominates Justin Smith
24 September 2008
Kaleidescope added to the Millinery page
24 September 2008
Urban Junkies review Justin's On|Off runway collection
19 September 2008
J Smith Esquire - S/S09 show video
19 September 2008
Dazed Digital capture Justin Smith Esquire S/S O9 at On|Off
18 September 2008
J Smith Esquire - S/S09 links
18 September 2008
www.gettyimages.com
blog.belenechandia.com
J Smith Esquire available at Palette London
16 September 2008
Justin to feature at ON|OFF, 16 September 2008
2 September 2008
Justin Smith's tattooed hat to be displayed in The Museum At FIT, New York
26 June 2008
Justin Smith interview on dazeddigital.com
28 May 2008
Dance With Me
1 March 2008
J Smith Esquire hats, for Deryck Walker AW08 collection
29 February 2008
International Herald Tribune: video interview with Justin Smith, at London Fashion Week
15 February 2008
Paris Fashion Week
7 February 2008
On|Off
11 January 2008
Justin Smith to be sponsored by New Gen
12 December 2007
Justin is winning finalist at ITS
14 August 2007
J. Smith Equire and Deryck Walker
14 August 2007
MA graduation collection, RCA Fashion show 2007
10 July 2007
Tickets available for RCA Fashion Show 2007
4 April 2007
Justin awarded 'Hat Designer of the Year'
6 August 2006
J Smith Esquire commissioned to design hats for the C'MONS
1 July 2006
Justin wins Feltmaker Award For Hat Design
10 June 2006