The famous statutes of Lord Nelson and King George IV that populate Trafalgar Square have been given some new head wear, thanks to Britain’s finest millinery talent.
The Hatwalk project curated by hat designers Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy showcases bespoke creations from established and emerging hat designers using the statues of William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Queen Victoria and the Duke of Wellington.
King George IV in Trafalgar Square © Rex
Hatwalk was commissioned by Mayor Boris Johnson and the British Fashion Council and aims to encourage the public to look up and learn about the dozens of sculptures of famous figures in the capital.
[Related article: Philip Treacy named 'Hat Designer of the Year']
“I am thrilled to be able to showcase British millinery during the year of the Olympics in London,” said Jones.
“Britain has long been credited as being the centre of the modern millinery world and these hats are the work of our most celebrated and inspired creators.”
Duke of Wellington near Wellington Arch © RexEmerging designer Sophie Beale, who won a competition to design a hat for the statue of General Sir Charles James Napier told Grazia: “I’m so honoured. The entire process of winning Hat Factor and being involved in Hatwalk has given me so much confidence to continue with my own line.”
Once finished, each of the hats will be auctioned off to raise money for the Mayor’s Fund for good causes.
Statues in Trafalgar Square © Rex
New hats for statues General Sir Charles James Napier, General Sir Henry Havelock and Lord Nelson.
“I can't think of a better way to celebrate the heritage of British millinery and its contribution to our fair city than by dressing our most noble of statues, including our most heroic son, Nelson, in creations dreamt up by our leading visionaries,” said Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
“In this summer, like no other, we have come up with a series of spectacular surprises and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will be popping up throughout the capital. Hatwalk is just one of these, so keep your eyes peeled for what's coming next!”
What do you think of the statues' new head gear?
