Philip Treacy: Hat Designer

The work of one of the most influential and innovative hat designers of this century. Philip Treacy’s career over the last two decades has been prolific and high-profile. A visual delight, this book shares Treacy’s favorite designs in 250 striking photographs, curated by Treacy himself, and showcases his collaborations and personal relationships. Treacy has said, “Every hat I have ever made has begun in my mind as a photograph. I can see it on the model, at the right angle, before I even begin.” Indeed, his hats have been photographed by the most iconic image makers of our time, including Patrick Demarchelier, Richard Avedon, Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Bruce Weber, and Irving Penn. And his hats have been modeled on equally famous heads, ranging from Grace Jones and Lady Gaga to the Duchesses of Cornwall and Devonshire.
Since his early friendships with Isabella Blow and Alexander McQueen, Treacy’s imaginative designs have been a synthesis of art and fashion, with materials ranging from silk and lace to Plexiglas and leather, trimmed with feathers or Swarovski crystals. Combining luxury and sophistication, his work has helped shape modern fashion. This first, highly personal book is a glamorous tour through Treacy’s world, and documents how a hat can evoke the magic of life and speak to the transformative power of fashion.