Friday, August 27, 2010

Party on the Head



Philip Treacy’s hats are for conservative women.

So said the soft-spoken Irish Milliner. So said the hat architect who has placed lobster, shoes, orchid and swan's nest on the head of Isabella Blow, Ladygaga and the like. To Philip Treacy, Eccentricity is much more subtle. Women who wear his hat could be conservative outwardly, but inwardly they have their own sense of fantasy. Sounds like the fantasy of Juliet in Fellini’s “Juliet the Spirits”?

Drawn to the kaleidoscope of Juliet’s dreams, spirits, and memories, Philip Treacy understands the beauty of illusion, and empathizes in his design with the illusion because it's larger than life. The haberdasher does not consider himself as an artist, but someone who simply adds some spice to the dull of life.

The conservative women, with a heavier piece on their head, may keep  their foot more grounded and their heart lighter.

Reference: Philip Treacy's interview


Federico Fellini's 1965 film: Juliet of the Spirits (Giulietta degli spiriti)


A Man in line in "Annie Hall" screams his opinion of Fellini
Photo credit: Annie Hall scene

2 comments:

  1. The lobster hat just reminded me of the bird Carrie put on her head in the wedding. Such a vivid design!

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  2. I once looked for his hat at a local boutique shop but didn't get to see any.
    Other designers like Schiaparelli in the 20s have had more surreal hats way back, which must have influenced him I think.

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