Trend of the week: Head Master – Stephen Jones

Hats off to British milliner Stephen Jones whose 27-piece ‘Top Hat’ collection for Debenhams has topped the style set’s wish list.

Having worked his heady charm with designers Marc Jacobs and Giles Deacon; not to mention celebrities Kylie Minogue and Beyoncé, Jones now brings his handmade hats to the high street. Annmarie O’Connor catches up with the headmaster to find out more…

…on the revival of hats: I think it’s been happening for a while now with the Duchess of Cambridge effect. People are enjoying a return to formal events. We tend to think of dressing up as an older thing to do — but younger people are starting to do it and have great fun.

…on choosing a hat: I think just the fact you are wearing a hat is a statement in itself. The thing about looking well dressed — it’s a harmony between the hat, make up, hair and the dress. If it all works, you will make a statement.

…on merging high end with high street: We sourced the best quality and priced materials from all over the world which were then made by a British company. I also wanted to make sure that the hats could be worn in the same way as when I do a fitting for someone here in my salon. We used various tricks — little bands and combs — so that the hats would automatically go on at the right angle.

…on his favourite styles from the collection: From the summer collection the little beret with the pansies and the short veil — it works for all ages. From the winter collection coming soon a Toque — a Russian style hat with the most fantastic roses planted in the front of it.

…on his favourite hat wearers: The Duchess of Cambridge, Rihanna and Mick Jagger — he wears a hat well too!