Stephen Jones Hats at the Royal Pavilion

“I grew up in a seaside town, but Brighton to me seemed exciting, exotic, and it symbolised art and freedom. In 2012, I designed a collection called ‘Chinoiserie-on-Sea’ for which I researched Brighton, and in particular the Pavilion, extensively; and it feels like showing my hats there is almost like a homecoming. I have never had the opportunity to display hats in the environment which inspired them.” - Stephen Jones

Stephen Jones filled the Royal Pavilion in Brighton with exquisite hats for the exhibition – 'Stephen Jones Hats at the Royal Pavilion'. Jones created installations of his most glamorous and captivating hats throughout the exotic rooms of the Regency building, which was built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV more than 200 years ago. Hats from across Jones’ 40-year career brought next level glamour to the already spectacular state rooms. The exhibition was presented in partnership with Harvey Nichols.

Jones has dressed the finest heads, across the globe – such as Lady Gaga, Kate Moss and Mick Jagger. The site-specific exhibition showed hats worn by these celebrities, among others and also those made in collaboration with the world’s best fashion designers, including Dior, Thom Browne, Giles Deacon, Comme des Garçons, Marc Jacobs and Matty Bovan. Jones created an exclusive capsule collection for Harvey Nichols for spring 2019, inspired by the exhibition.

The exhibition was co-curated by Stephen Jones OBE and Martin Pel, Curator of Costume and Textiles at the Royal Pavilion & Museums.

https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/

7 February – 9 June 2019

Illustration © Jacky Marshall

Exhibition photography by Tessa Hallmann