Wednesday 10 June 2015

Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Currently Racing Fashion site is under migration to bring it up to speed and phone friendly so I have been wanting to share these images for some time now, just as I am writing this I am just about on the plane back to London for Royal Ascot.
It was such a pleasure when a good friend, Monique Lee asked me to co-curate from Australia ensuring to capture some of Australia's most upcoming International Milliners and designers.  As Australia and UK have a huge time difference, Monique and I would awake to a page full of emails and exhibitors seeing how we could integrate work from around the world and showcase.  Monique's skills and that of East India House students was amazing and perfection.  Even Philip Treacy did mention to me personally that he had inquired about the exhibition and said he heard, "It was impressive."  This was great delight to my ears as well as Monique and the exhibitors.
Besides the accolades that were given it was about the exhibition is was also a time to open to the public all about hats and what they offer to the community and that this is an art.
The entrance to the exhibition was stunning showing off one of Monique's hats that were synchronized with wire hats around the centre piece to react to the crowd, clapping and noise in the room.  The lights would be stronger and a light show would appear the stronger the passion of the crowd.
Unfortunately I was unable to attend the opening of the exhibition as I was on duty at Dubai World Cup, but the space was shoulder to shoulder and such a wonderful reception from exhibitors and distinguished guests.  This proved to be a very popular event for London Hat Week as well as East India House.  On the last day, I had the chance to walk around the exhibition and see the exhibits.  It was well worth the trip to the other side of the world and preparation.  It was incredible to see all these talented people from all over the world having their work featured.
Indeed you could see the innovation from the hat from a century and two century's ago then progress into this century.  Personally, I loved it.  Besides from being an incredible exhibition it was also inspiring for Milliners and Crafts people to take home ideas of their loves of craft.  Many people from the street came in and perused the exhibition and opened up a world of hats to some who had never before considered them.  I love hats and the expression that they give the wearer and in most cases the love and freedom that comes from the maker, it was such an honour to work with such an incredible team and the reward of seeing happy faces out weighed the hefty VAT of 15,000 pounds I had to pay at customs.
I am so grateful to be in this world of loving hats and love playing with the craft myself, but in no way would compare myself to any of the great people we have among us making hats.  Many times I know my passion for arts in general and loving to dress and express through the art of dress is time consuming, a money pit and little thanks, at so many times I ask why?  I really don't know the answer.  No one else is mad enough to do it for no cost, but I believe in keeping the arts alive, whether it be through dressing or hats, ballet, opera, visual art and the like, behind everything hand made and expression through art, there are so many stories of feelings, tireless nights, how people are changing the world.  I always want to know of artists and inspire people to keep on their dream.
So many artists have been at rock bottom and some have hit the stars or are reaching, it all starts with a dream and never stop, there is no ending to a dream of beauty and sharing it with the world.

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week


Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week


Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week
 

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week

Racing Fashion @ Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition at East India House for London Hat Week



Exhibiting Milliners

The Late Paris Kyne, Richard Nylon, Monique Lee Hylands-White, Marta Glazen,, John Westwood Hill, Hania Bulczynska, Maggie Mowbray, Chiara Pavan, Merve Bayindir, Monica Feher, Kim Wiebenga, Ully Meins, Jo Miller, Olivia Schwartz, Dianne McGee-Lewis, Arlene Barclay, Laurie Carlson Steger, Graham Baldwin, Catherine Kelly (Unfortunately Catherine's exhibits did not clear customs in time), Joanna Roberts, Loren Wood, Lisa Bell, Judith Kindsky, Suzanne Ryan, Stanka Kostadinova Mihaleva, Els Robberechts, Fiona Baker, Jacqueline Kolbe, Antonio Guardiola Galceran, Xin Zhang, Maria Eugenia Jimenez Jimenez, Private Collection of Anna Mott

Curated by Monique Lee and Anna Mott

A very big thank you to the following participants who made Xterrace, 21st Century Hat Exhibition a success, Ella Sharp, John Watkins, Nicholas Hylands-White, Paul Gough, Rajani Rao, Kari Sverriss, Bai Tian, Chulaluck Somsiriwatthana, Fandi Wu, Hathaichanok Dechkingvigrom, Jariya Thanasunthornsut, Jilang Huang, Lingzi Zhao, Mancharee Suriyalert, Myriam Sephanh, Shengqu Ba, Sofie Gille, Tayida Nolan, Wing Sze Wan, Xiaoying Du, Xiaoxue Zhang, Zi Fang, Zihe Wei.

I would personally like to thank all who participated, enjoyed and even read this page.  My love for hats and the craft of hats is something I cannot describe and to share everything I love and to bring forward artists in a different dimension besides races is truly a blessing.  Much love. 

www.racingfashion.com.au