The Palais Galliera in Paris tips its hat to Stephen Jones

In no less than 40 years of exhibitions, the palais Galliera in Paris will, for the first time in its history, host an exhibition dedicated to an accessory: the hat. Chapeaux d’artistes, the exhibition tracing the work of milliner Stephen Jones from the 80s to today, will be held from October 2024 to March 2025 on the ground floor of the palace. No less than 400 works by the artist will be exhibited, including 170 headpieces, around 40 silhouettes, as well as archives of drawings and sketches of all kinds. Although the artist presented is of British origin, he has indeed conquered France, its luxury Houses, and its celebrities. At 67 years old, the milliner continues to collaborate with the greatest. Marc Jacobs, John Galliano, Dior, the list of VIPs who have had the honor of working alongside the artist is long and continues to grow richer. An artist in the shadows rarely put under the spotlight despite his fame and talent, it was high time that an institution highlighted the hands behind the most coveted headpieces on earth. The palais Galliera has decided to take care of it.

Although the milliner has been practicing his art for about fifty years, his career took an important turn in 1993 when one of his British peers, John Galliano, then at the head of Dior, contacted him to collaborate on the SS94 collection titled Princess Lucrece. A romantic collection with voluminous and exuberant dresses, accompanied by voluminous hairstyles and complex braids signed by Jones. The House of Dior has always loudly proclaimed its admiration for Mr. Jones's work, with which the brand collaborated on various occasions. A collaboration so fruitful that a book was even published on the work they produced and what came of it. Vivienne Westwood, Thierry Mugler, Schiaparelli, Marc Jacobs, the list of renowned designers who did not hesitate to call on the Brit is well-stocked, both in terms of quantity and quality. The latest collaboration between the milliner and a renowned fashion brand dates back to last January. It was at the Haute Couture SS24 show by Margiela, presented under the Pont Alexander III by the aforementioned John Galliano, that Stephen Jones participated. A show that generated a lot of buzz and immediately went down in the annals of the fashion world.

But fashion designers are not the only ones who have entrusted their heads (or those of their models) to the artist. Countless top celebrities from around the globe have also turned to him, including Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner, and Beyoncé. But a significant moment in the artisan's career was surely when the British royal family contacted him, requesting his services. An honor for a British artist, knowing the admiration of the English for the Windsor family. A whole different register, however, when compared to Kylie Jenner, proving the milliner's ability to adapt to his clients and create unique and customizable pieces for everyone. A talent before which we can only bow and take our hats off.