During the latest edition of Premiere Classe, held in the heart of the Carrousel du Louvre, one of the event's most anticipated moments was the talk by Stephen Jones, the iconic British milliner.
Hosted by Cultured Magazine in the Beyond the Noise space, this exceptional encounter offered the audience an intimate dive into the creative world of this master hatmaker, while exploring his career and his profound connection with Paris and the fashion industry.
Un lien intemporel avec Paris
Stephen Jones engage sa conférence en évoquant son lien particulier avec Paris, une ville qu’il décrit comme la plus féminine du monde. « Lorsque je suis à Londres, je rêve de Paris, et lorsque je suis ici, je rêve de Londres », confie-t-il avec un sourire complice. Paris marque plusieurs tournants dans sa carrière, dont l’un des plus importants est l’opportunité de présenter une rétrospective de son œuvre au Palais Galliera. L’exposition, initialement retardée en raison de la pandémie, rassemble plus de 400 de ses créations, chacune témoignant de son attachement à la capitale de la mode et à son riche héritage sartorial. « Paris est une source d'inspiration constante, même un simple regard par la fenêtre peut nourrir une idée », partage-t-il.
The evolution of the hat
At 67, Stephen Jones continues to redefine the conventions of hat-making with remarkable creative freedom. Reflecting on his early days in the industry, he recalled the height of the British hat scene in the 1970s. His fascination with hats, however, traces back to childhood, long before he knew this accessory would become the focal point of his career.
When asked about changing public tastes, Jones explained that while men’s attitudes towards hats have evolved significantly, hats remain a pivotal aspect of their wardrobes, from simple baseball caps to bold bespoke creations. “Hats can transform a look or even tell a different story,” he added, emphasizing how this accessory holds the power to transcend an outfit.
A career shaped by iconic collaborations
The discussion naturally shifted to his legendary collaborations with houses like Dior, Rei Kawakubo, and personalities such as Rihanna. Jones described his interactions with these creators as “unique, inspiring conversations” where each exchange fuels the creative process. He shared a touching anecdote about a fitting with Rihanna for the Met Gala, where she simply expressed her desire “to look beautiful.” For Jones, these moments of simplicity underscore how fashion should, above all, celebrate individuality.
As a designer, Jones always seeks to push boundaries without reinventing the wheel every season. “The key is to evolve things subtly, perfecting the basics,” he asserted. His approach to refining existing designs rather than changing everything reflects his vision of fashion as a continuously evolving craft.
The hat: a symbol of elegance and freedom
Throughout the talk, Stephen Jones also explored the role of hats in contemporary culture. He believes a hat can elevate the wearer, bestowing a sense of elegance and freedom. “Accessories, especially hats, play a crucial role in the global creative landscape, offering a unique creative freedom that allows for experimentation and the introduction of bold new ideas,” he noted.
A forward-thinking perspective
In closing, Stephen Jones encouraged young designers in the audience to push the boundaries of their creative exploration. “Fashion is like a marriage: sometimes you want to step away, but you always return,” he joked, reminding everyone that the passion for creation is an endless source of inspiration.
With this talk, Stephen Jones not only shared cherished memories but also provided insight into how his journey continues to shape the worlds of fashion and accessories. In the prestigious setting of Premiere Classe, his presence reaffirmed the unbreakable link between creativity, tradition, and innovation.
This intimate conversation with one of the world’s foremost milliners once again highlighted Premiere Classe’s role as a genuine hub of innovation and craftsmanship, a place where the past meets the future and ideas and visions intertwine to forge memorable and distinctive collaborations and synergies.
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