Talking hats | In conversation with Deborah Quinn
Deborah Quinn wearing Stephen Jones’s Bryce, from the Desert Rose Collection of Spring/Summer 2008, inspired by a rock formation in Bryce Canyon, in the Utah Desert | Image courtesy: Deborah Quinn
Deborah, what are the great things about high fashion hats and headgear?
A hat is the pièce de résistance of an outfit. A hat complements the look from top to toe, becoming an extension of the wearer. A mood, a character that cannot be conveyed with a bag or shoes is expressed by a hat — if worn well. In this way a hat can turn an otherwise pedestrian outfit into a real statement . . . hats may add height, poise and character to the wearer. In some circumstances a hat may create a sense of mystery or disguise — one may even hide under a hat if one desires!
How did you begin collecting hats?
As a young girl and teenager I frequently rode horses and was fascinated by the formal hats worn in dressage competitions. At university I nearly always wore something in my hair; a bow, a clip or a headscarf. My mother was flamboyant and often wore hats and, when I was young, my father always wore a hat when outside. This of course was fashionable for men at that time and he had many for various occasions. Since then I have progressed to hats and have always been intrigued by their styles, form, shape and structure. I always look at hats wherever I am and now wear them almost always. Coupled with this I have a particular fondness for horse racing, so of course one love complements the other; I am able to combine two of my passions.
Is your millinery collection based on particular designers or on particular hats that attract your attention?
My collection of hats is eclectic comprising vintage, new Australian designers and overseas designers including UK designer Stephen Jones. I never select to a formula; the hat must be at the cutting edge of style and fashion. It must stimulate my imagination about how it may be worn — I must be enthused by it. My collection is not label driven, but comes from many sources. I particularly enjoy discovering new milliners and am especially chuffed if I find a young developing milliner with style, imagination and inspiration. Nevertheless I also love vintage hats and look out for shape and structure. These hats are commonly ‘no name’ but look as if they have lived a life that one can fantasise about.
Which millinery designers do you love and why?
Stephen Jones is undoubtedly my favourite milliner. I discovered him 12 to15 years ago and have sought out his work since. I have subsequently met him on a number of occasions, at his Salon in Covent Garden, at the Melbourne Cup, and serendipitously at the V&A at this exhibition last year.1 Stephen has always demonstrated the ability to extend millinery to new heights and significance. He has an inherent knack of understanding how the hat complements contemporary trends and fashion direction. Having said that though, he is also very aware of the traditional methods and techniques of creating a hat and is true to these whilst incorporating modern technology. My collection includes quite a number of Stephen Jones designs, but also Philip Treacy, Justin Smith Esq, Marie Mercie, Bernstock Spiers, Elvis Pompilio, Nicholas Wilsdon (a young Queenslander), Gabriela Ligenza, and Marc Jacobs (designed by Stephen Jones)...next
