Renowned milliner Stephen Jones’ latest haute couture masterpiece at the Palais Galliera museum breaks new ground with an exhaustive review of his decades-long career, showcasing 86 collections and over 400 works.
A Show of Stephen Jones Hats Marks a First for the Palais Galliera
The Paris fashion museum has paid tribute to British milliner Stephen Jones in an exhaustive review of his decades-long career, showcasing eighty-six collections and over 400 works, including more than 170 hats.
The Evolution of a Master Milliner
Born in Liverpool, Schooled in Womenswear Fashion design at Saint Martin’s School of Art, London, and began working under Shirley Hex at Maison Lachasse, Jones embarked on his journey to become one of the world’s leading milliners. With a working-class background, he worked as a fruit and vegetable delivery boy by day and created hats by night, opening his first shop in 1980.
Jones’ career has been marked by collaborations with top fashion houses and designers, including Christian Dior, Claude Montana, Thierry Mugler, Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Comme des Garçons, and Louis Vuitton. He has designed hats for celebrities like Princess Diana, Naomi Campbell, Posh Spice, Lady Gaga, and bands such as Spandau Ballet, U2, The Rolling Stones.
A Tribute to French Inspiration
Having spent his career living and working in Paris and London, the Palais Galliera’s tribute is a bi-national honor. Jones’ essay in the exhibition catalog reflects on how France has inspired him, describing it as a “Technicolor dream” that differs from his childhood spent near the gray northwest sea of England.
The show features an ’80s soundtrack, including David Bowie and Roxy Music, and includes eight windows explaining his design process from start to finish. Some personal favorites include The Perfect Hat For (2016), Cathedral (1995), Sewing (2013), and Cocteau (2010).
A Legacy of Beauty and Imagination
Jones’ legacy has inspired a new eight-month millinery training program on the grounds of Highgrove, the country estate of King Charles III. As student Barnaby Horn notes, “If a fashion collection is the novel, I like to see the hat as a poem or haiku.” The Palais Galliera’s tribute to Stephen Jones is a testament to his artistry and wit, which has made him one of the most celebrated milliners in the world.
The show will be on view at the Palais Galliera – Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris until March 16, 2025.
