Fashion Goes, Style remains: Philip Treacy 1966- Present

(WGSN)

Biography:

Philip Treacy was born on May 26,1966 in the West of Ireland. He then moved in 1985 to study fashion at the National College of Art and Design where he began making hats as a hobby. Treacy spent six weeks with London-based hat designer Stephen Jones. After attending the National College of Art and Design he moved onto study at the Royal College of Art in London, there he focused on his love for hats. In 1989, Treacy took one of his hats to Michael Roberts director of Tatler magazine and style editor Isabella Blow. When Isabella saw Treacy's hat she fell in love and asked if he would make a hat for her wedding. She became Treacy's patron and worked from her basement. Since then Treacy has worked with designers Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Alexander McQueen, Versace, and Valentino. In 1991 he created a hat for Chanel which consisted of a twisted birdcage which was then worn by Linda Evangelista on the cover of British Vogue. His career launched in 1993 when he had his first fashion show of all black hats.

The Ultimate Glamour Accessory

Spring/ Summer 2013 (WGSN)

Critical Analysis:

At the time when Philip Treacy began his interest in hats, "it was the time when hats were perceived publicly as something worn by women of a certain age and something from a bygone era".-Hywell Davies Hats have been around in history for a long time, from Royals to the modern era today hats have transformed tremendously. Now the world of more intricate hats are worn by Royal family and celebrities. More modern hats like snapbacks and caps are what hats represent now a days. Treacy's hats have been worn by the Royal family like Kate Middleton. They have also been worn by celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Lady Gaga. He actually designed 36 different hats for the royal wedding. Philip's success has grown thanks to his fellow supporters but most importantly Isabella Blow for putting his name on the map. His designs were also greatly influenced by Isabella's background. For example his castle hat was inspired by Isabella's actual castle. They became close friend and Philip's muse.

His designs were influenced by Stephen Jones who he worked with for six weeks. Stephen Posen creates hats that are modern and exciting. Jones' designs are beautiful and refined to whimsical. Philip Treacy has his own personal style that he includes in his hats. He always changes the perception of what his hat should be and what role it should play. Philip Treacy is an icon because of the way that he looks and challenges the way we look at hats. His hats are the work of a master craftsman.

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Analysis of Future Trends:

Treacy's hats have become a big part of the world today whether it is seeing them on The Royal Family or on a celebrity on the red carpet. They are being looked at and photographed all over the world. For example Isabella Blow made a name for herself with the help of Treacy. She was known as the lady with weird hats. Hats are always going to be a part of fashion and Philip Treacy is just enhancing the process by making hats more extravagant and popular. In the future we might be surrounded with a world where elaborate hats become a daily piece. Like Treacy says that a hat is a major accessory in someone's wardrobe and it should be worn with simple outfits so that it won't look tacky. New milliners can look up to Treacy for his incredible way of interpreting the way hats enhance the wear. His designs can be looked up to because of their details and proportions. It's kind of hard to place a signature silhouette on Philip Treacy's hats. They are all unique in their own way and they each tell their own story. It is not like a garment that has different silhouettes and styles. Philip Treacy's hats are one of a kind. If I had to choose a certain signature style for Treacy, I would probably say his squid like hat that was made in different forms would be his signature silhouette. Unfortunately, I do not own any hats that are similar to Treacy's works of art, but I would love to have a personalized hat made just for me with my name spelled out just like Isabella Blows'. It would be amazing to have a one of a kind hat that expresses and describes your own personal attitude and characteristics. A hat that says your story.