Biography

Justin has been creating both classic hats and extraordinary couture pieces under his own brand, J Smith Esquire, for over five years. His diffusion line is Mister Smith.

Following a successful hairdressing career culminating in several awards and his own exclusive salon called 'And people like Us' J Smith Esquire began designing and making hats in 2000 while undertaking part time millinery training. In 2007 Justin completed a two-year MA in Millinery from the Royal College of Art, at which his graduate show earned critical acclaim. 

Since then Justin has gone from strength to strength winning the iD styling award and the Maria Louisa award at ITS6. His first collection debuted in 2007 at London Fashion Week under the New Generation sponsorship scheme and marked the beginning of a hugely successful millinery career.



His creative eye and innovative vision knows no bounds and whilst creating his own collections seasonally he is also regularly approached to collaborate. To date, Justin has created headpieces for a number of high-end designers including Moschino, Manish Arora, (es*) Artisanal, Aganovich, Carolyn Massey and Aminaka Wilmont.

Whilst Justin's artistic flair is a prerequisite for designing such beautiful millinery, so too is upholding the traditions which accompany the trade. Time-honoured techniques are an integral part of the final outcome, as is using quality materials and craftsmanship.

Throughout his career he has sewed, knitted, beaded, embroidered, painted, sculpted and created collections inspired by everything from origami to animals; from Victorian Burlesque to dapper English gentleman, and from silver knitted wire to tattooed pigskin.

2010 was a particularly successful year for Justin culminating in him being named the British Council's Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year as well as being invited to showcase at Italian Vogue's Young Talent Exhibition. This paved the way for his AltaRoma debut that took place In January 2011 which in turn led to a prominent display at the Limited/Unlimited exhibition where he has now exhibited for three seasons both in his own right and also in collaboration with (es*) Artisanal.

In September 2011 Justin paired up with The Guoman Hotel group to create a range of five different hats for the doormen of the five different hotels under the Guoman umbrella. A retrospective exhibition of his work to date was installed within the Royal Horseguards hotel to mark the collaboration and launched during London Fashion Week to critical acclaim.

Since then Justin has gone on to collaborate with Oscar Lawalata, showcasing an extravagant collection inspired by his expeditions to Indonesia as a winner of the British Council Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award. This was showcased at Jakarta Fashion Week in November. Supported by the British Council and Femina, the collection has proved a huge hit with press across the board.

After a successful time at the RCA, he has now become a respected teacher and visiting lecturer at the Royal College of Art.


Justin has numerous stockists and supporters around the world and continues to show at London, Paris and Rome Fashion week.

J Smith Esquire team

Left to right: Justin Smith: milliner, Hannu Viitala: principal assistant, Peter Chatalos: consultant, Parker: writer.

Left to right: Jacqueline Swanson: business manager, Laura Cole: millinery assistant, Lauren Martin: Blow PR, Jane Pluer: graphic designer.