Hats Have It: Noel Stewart Millinery

I have been stalking, I mean talking to Noel Stewart for some time via email about his amazing hats and aesthetic of Milliner, so when in London for London Hat Week, I knew I had to jump at the chance to go and visit. I was not disappointed.
I have been watching Noel for sometime and he has been appointed Milliner for Christies, which several years ago was part of my turnout attire for showing. Now for safety reasons in Australia, all showing has to be with an ASA approved helmet. I love the look of the bowler and topper, but really safety is paramount on horseback as you never can predict when there will be an incident.
With such lovely manners I was asked if I would like a beverage, and of course I can never miss a cup of tea in the UK, it is always perfect. In saying that, quickly someone swept out the door to grap a cuppa from the corner shop. Noel did let me know that 'Ribena' is the creative juice used in his studio. We then got to chatting and of course playing Hat dress up. This was totally amazing and as many Australian Milliners know, I can be like a bull in a china shop. When Noel told me of his collapsible Hat Stand, I knew I had to be very particular in the way I move as I could see myself easily trapped under this huge stand.
I have been so in love with Noels collection and his iridescent feathers had me spell bound. I need to find that bird. lol. Noel's 2015 collection of 'Electric Storm' had me so excited and the collection was endless possibilities for Royal Ascot. The hues of soft pink are simply delicious and now we know that the Duchess of Cambridge has had a daughter, this colour may be a hit for the coming race days. Noel is on the market with the fabulous printed pieces, which immediately make his pieces copyright and also distinctive. There are so many delicious pieces to choose from and love the Autumn/Winter collection 'Soft Shards', this would be perfect for the Australian Clientele heading into Winter. I am in awe of Noel's work not to mention him as a person, who is an amazing gentleman with a fabulous sense of humor.
The walk to Noel's studio is one through the market during the day, so heels, fur and hat may cop a few looks, but only to the approval of locals as they love to see hats worn for any affair. Make sure you have a look at Noel's site and don't be afraid to ask for bespoke pieces, such as masks that were being created in the workroom.
I cannot thank Noel or or the Milliners and London enough for their hospitality and opening their studio's and stories to me. Please take a look at Noel's site, click here.

Racing Fashion Loves Noel Stewart Millinery

Noel Stewart is a London based milliner with international status. Taking inspiration from contemporary art and architecture whilst using his extensive skills, he modernises millinery and creates a fresh and elegant approach to how we dress the head. Noels collections for men and women combine luxury materials and traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation.

Before attending the Royal College of Art, Noel worked with designers Dai Rees and Stephen Jones. This included time spent as Stephen Jones’s assistant at Christian Dior Couture,John Galliano and Louis Vuitton

Since establishing his label Noel has designed hats for leading fashion designers such as Roland Mouret, Diesel, Roksanda Ilincic, Erdem, Hussein Chalayan, Richard Nicoll, Jaeger,Marc by Marc Jacobs, Holly Fulton, Sibling, Viktor & Rolf, Claire Barrow and Gareth Pugh. His continuing work with such designers reflects the relevance of his role in contemporary fashion.