The Documentary Podcast Stephen Jones’ hats: A party on your head
Oct 6, 2025
Stephen Jones, a fashion-forward British milliner with a flair for avant-garde designs, shares insights on his creative process and unique inspirations. He discusses the joy of crafting hats that serve as personal statements, influenced by Surrealism and pop culture. Stephen details his innovative design techniques, from paper prototypes to mood boards, and highlights the playful appeal of pieces like the 'Yoga' hat. He reflects on his retrospective at Palais Galliera, the universality of the beret, and the theatricality that hats can embody, making them more than accessories.
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Hats As Cultural Revival
- Stephen Jones sees hats as cyclical and culturally responsive, noting Paris's strong revival of interest after his exhibition.
- He treats hats as statements that can restore hats into everyday language and identity.
Portable Sketchbooks For Ideas
- Stephen carries a notebook and collects thumbnail sketches daily, then refines or discards them every six months.
- He learned portable sketchbooks from working with John Galliano for traveling collections.
Prototype By Dressing Up
- Test prototypes by letting staff and yourself try hats on freely and observe natural reactions.
- Accept unconventional wear (upside down or back to front) because it may reveal better designs.
