Brand new, 2013, Philip Treacy by Kevin Davies, Phaidon Press, this fabulous book of photographs is by long time friend and terrific photographer, Kevin Davies. Because the Deighton Cup is coming up this weekend in Vancouver, (think hats and fashion galore, horse races and social event of the season) I am thinking about hats and how to find the most unique stand-out, ever. And here it is, on the cover of the book. It's Grace Jones in purple lipstick and fabulous, pointed feather arrows, like a brilliant sun around her face. Treacy and Jones make a great team because, "She loves wearing hats and he loves making them."
In his forward, Treacy says: "Every hat I have ever made has begun in my mind as a photograph." His creations and Davies' photographs of them, on the models, in the process of being constructed and at the shows, make this book, one that you can't resist opening and reading right through, right away.
A young designer, Philip Treacy began his career in 1990, in London. Milliner for the top fashion shows, he was first to design a couture show devoted to hats. Films and film stars feature his creations and royalty, too. "Over 30 of Treacy's hats were worn at William and Kate's wedding. Five time winner of British Accessory Designer of the year, undoubtedly someone in Vancouver will be sporting one of his eye-catching creations. (Yes, people shop near and far to look their very best at Deighton Cup)
This is a two year collaborative project and also the product of twenty years of friendship, shared vision and artistic perfection. Both Tracy and Davies comment on the photos and the making and taking of them. The photos are usually in black and white, which lends an aura of mystery and theatre to them. The hats are photographed in color. I love how Treacy credits his teachers, Micheline and Shirley Hex, who taught him at the Royal College of Art. He deems them, "the unsung heroes of hat design. Kevin Davies and Philip Treacy are fantastic listeners and observers. They very much value the people around them and their art greatly reflects this.
Philip Treacy's hats and Kevin Davies' photos bring to mind the dance, and, of course, the horse races! And...we're off!
Fred Astaire Dancing on Discs: Paris Haute Couture, s/s 2003
My favorite photo is Fred Astaire Dancing on Discs:
Paris Haute Couture, s/s 2013. Remember, that Fred often wore a hat
(think Top Hat) and carried a cane as he danced.
Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture, Orchid Collection
My favorite hat, in this book, is the Paris Fashion Week,
Haute Couture creation from the Orchid Collection.
Book Jacket - Cover Photo - Grace Jones - "She loves wearing hats
and he love to make them"
and he love to make them"
The inspiration - The Deighton Cup
2 comments:
I need this. I was always fascinated by Isabella Blow and her Philip Treacy hats!
Philip Treacy's hats are more than just pieces of headwear - they are works of art. His creations have graced the heads of some of the most iconic figures in fashion and pop culture, from Isabella Blow to Grace Jones to Madonna. Treacy's ability to push boundaries and experiment with materials and shapes has cemented his place as one of the most innovative designers of our time.
Get Hat Product photography guide for taking such nice photos above.
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