The young hat maker who wants to bring back the bowler (and the King is already a fan)
One group who are doing their bit to keep hats in the headlines however are the Royal family, who can often be counted on to don their finery when attending state events and the like. It's why the King's Foundation has collaborated with Royal Ascot on a new bursary of £10,000 to help the next generation of milliners.
'We are always thinking about what skills are in danger in the UK, and with our long-standing partnership with Chanel and Le19M, it just made sense to pick a design programme that focused on millinery,' shares Daniel McAuliffe, the director of education at the King's Foundation. 'With King Charles being our founding president, it was the perfect fit. And we're definitely a country of hat wearers, we're probably the biggest hat wearers in the world, especially during Ascot week. The Royal family are instrumental in keeping hats relevant, we'll see that in the coming weeks when there will be lots of hats in the newspapers.'
The first bursary recipient, Emily Hurst, was announced this week. 'It's a fantastic honour,' she shares from St James's Palace, where she has just collected another accolade – the Emerging Talent Award – from David Beckham. 'It's a huge privilege to have recognition for my work, it's going to mean all the difference in setting up my studio and getting myself ready to become an independent designer.'
Hurst was first drawn to millinery after studying costume design, when hats and bonnets were a huge part of her oeuvre, but it was the sustainability element that most appeals to her today. 'During my time studying at the King's Foundation I realised it had so much potential both in terms of design and sustainability. I was in touch with Veronica Main, who's got an MBE for her contribution to straw work – she was instrumental in me deciding that this is what I would love to do.'
As part of the King's Foundation's partnership with Chanel, the students have access to the fashion house's deadstock. 'We're not using new materials, but ones that have a sustainable element,' she says. 'I learnt at university that we used to rewear our bonnets by having a new trim for different events, and that's something I'd like to explore more – you don't need to buy new things.'
So, does Hurst have any tips for how we should be choosing our hats for Ascot and the like? 'I think when it comes to wearing a hat it's so individual to each person,' says Hurst. 'Because we don't wear them so much anymore there's a lack of confidence, and a feeling of 'should I, shouldn't I?' but it's about choosing a hat that makes you feel confident. That makes you stand that bit taller. There's definitely a style that suits everyone.'
When it comes to her favourite hat shapes for this summer, she's a fan of a surprise design. 'The bowler is such a classic style, it's such a beautiful shape that you can reimagine,' says Hurst. 'I love it with a trim of ribbon. It suits so many people.'
Hurst and her fellow students' work will also be showcased at Royal Ascot, giving racegoers the chance to have a sneak peek of the next generation of millinery talent. But for McAuliffe, there's a bigger picture to focus on too. 'It's not just about making hats for Ascot, it's about making hats for performance, hats for the catwalk, and hats for wearing everyday,' he says. 'The music industry is also a great champion of hats – another of our students, Barnaby Horne, had a hat on Jake Shears for the recent Scissor Sisters tour. I think the next stage will be inviting stylists to look at our collection and see where we can go from there.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island couple Meg and Dejon's 'game plan' is revealed as they are accused of 'showmance' for the final after blazing rows
Love Island's Megan Moore and Dejon William's 'game plan' has been revealed as they have been accused of only staying together for the final. Dejon, 26, has come under fire for his behaviour towards Meg, 25, after keeping her around but continuously flirting with the other bombshells that enter the villa. The couple appeared to go from strength to strength as they are now officially boyfriend and girlfriend and confessed that they 'love' each other. However, things went awry in recent episodes, with the pair becoming embroiled in a string of blazing rows during what was supposed to be a romantic date night. During Friday's episode, Meg addressed Dejon's confession that he would couple up with Yasmin Pettet if he wasn't coupled up with her. While Dejon looked stony-faced, Meg shared: 'Because every single challenge that has been happening recently, you know how upset I've been. 'You know how bad I felt the last couple of weeks, so for you to put someone's name on the board that actually talks down on you constantly. What the f**k?' After attempting to interrupt her on multiple occasions, he replied: 'Because I put Yas's name on the board, that doesn't mean I want recouple.' Megan then cut him off and explained she 'doesn't want to hear it anymore', to which Dejon concluded that it was 'fine' before they were reduced to sitting in silence. After watching the tense scenes, viewers flocked to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share their theories that the couple are only together to make it to the final. Comments included: 'Narrrr Dejon's game plan has failed him And he's crashing out real bad !! Now he can't even hold it together . He has hated this girl from early'; 'No Megan, Dejon is annoyed because his game plan is failing & his Mrs is 'making him look bad'; 'dejon's game plan is simple. trap her, make her your girlfriend, say i love you, then use all those things against her. master manipulator final boss'; 'Dejon had a game plan entering the villa but he picked the wrong girl and now it's backfiring #loveisland #loveislanduk'; ''You're trying to make me look bad' Dejon is actually in here with a game plan. He wants the 25k and brand deals for real.' Just moments later, the couple narrowly avoided being eliminated as Megan and Conor were instead sent home, despite Dejon and Meg both voicing their concerns that it would be them. It is just latest 'game-playing' accusation Dejon has been hit with as fans of the show have claimed he and Meg 'won't last three months'. During a game of Knowing Me, Knowing You, the islanders were asked who they would couple up with if they were not with their current partners. Dejon confessed that he would couple up with Yas because he has previously explored that connection earlier in the season. The comment shocked Meg as she explained Dejon had never expressed that she would be his number two in the competition before. This unsettled Dejon and he accused Meg of trying to make him look bad in front of the cameras. Speaking at the fire pit, Dejon quipped: 'You're trying to make me look bad. And I don't understand why you are trying to make me look bad.' And this is just latest accusation Dejon has been hit with as fans have claimed he has 'shown his true colours' with the TV show comment and say he and Meg 'won't last three months' In defence, Megan replied: 'I am not trying to make you look bad' which prompted Dejon to say: 'At the time, Billykiss was also in the villa. I said to Yas you are my number one. 'And then after you, it would be if I had to, it would be Yas and Billykiss.' Megan replied 'yeah' to which Dejon remarked, 'so you do remember the conversation?' Smiling, she explained: 'yeah I do remember you say that,' but Dejon cut her off and added: 'I know but I know what I am saying. You just tried to act like I didn't tell you that. That's a big thing.' This conversation sparked outrage among viewers as they claimed he was controlling and was gaslighting her. Taking to X, one penned: 'all my disdain for meg aside the way dejon speaks to her is so off putting and uncomfortable. if he is gaslighting her and speaking to her like that infront of cameras on a national tv show what on earth will he be like behind close doors'; 'the gaslighting from dejon here is CRAZY. meg is literally calm and collected and didn't even say there was an issue, just said how she felt. for someone who didn't care what other people thought of him, dejon seems to care way too much'; 'dejon lowkey scary look at how he looks genuinely annoyed at meg for getting things wrong and belittled her after it… i don't even like her but free her fr'; 'That conversation between Meg and Dejon was a masterclass in emotional abuse. Ladies in real life make sure you never let a man speak to you like that' 'blu tells dejon that meg isn't that popular outside the villa and suddenly dejon is picking fights with her' 'Dejon knows the public hate him and now he's looking to blame Meg for that' 'DEJON DEFLECTING AND BLAMING MEG. HOW DARE YOU SAY BECAUSE THE CAMERAS ARE AROUND YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE ME LOOK BAD. EWWWWWWWW. TOXIC BEHAVIOR AGAIN.' Love Island fans have already accused Dejon of being a 'game-player' after he declared his love for Meg on Tuesday night. The episode saw the Islanders' families and friends enter the Mallorca villa to deliver their verdicts, with Meg's mother and sister having some choice words for Dejon. In awkward scenes, Meg defended Dejon as her mother Nathalie and sister Paige warned her about 'letting him away with a lot' before branding him a 'player'. After the tense meeting, Dejon was quick to take things to the next level with Meg, pulling her on to the terrace to declare his love for her. 'Like the feeling comes, even when I think about you, like this feeling in my chest, but saying it has been hard for me because it's such a big thing,' he told her. 'But honestly like, I do I love you,' he added, prompting a smiling Meg to say the all-important three words back before they shared a kiss. After a tense meeting with Meg's family, Dejon was quick to take things to the next level with her, pulling her on to the terrace to declare his love for her However, viewers were less than impressed as they took to X - formerly known as Twitter to claim that the declaration was all part of his plan to win the £50,000 prize. They branded the couple as 'fake' as they claimed it seemed like Dejon had 'studied' previous years of Love Island and had planned the timing for his love declaration. Comments included: 'Dejon has studied love island sooo well WOW I wouldn't be surprised if these two win at this point'; 'Dejon and Meg really going for the ''I love you'' in an attempt to win the £50k... fair'; 'The way Dejon has carefully curated the path he's paved with Meg… In the history of Love Island, I don't think we've ever seen anyone as shamelessly calculated and competitive as him. The funniest part? He thinks we don't see it. No good Dej'; 'Dejon and Meg the fakest of them all. In the history of love island Uk, this is the fakest I've ever seen, especially Dejon'; 'Producers of love island stopppp forcing Megan and Dejon on ussss'; 'Dejon really studied the love island game lol'; 'Dejon is never getting past the game player allegations. He's gotta know how this looks - why is he acting like an AI bot who's watched 100 episodes of love island?' 'Like the feeling comes, even when I think about you, like this feeling in my chest, but saying it has been hard for me because it's such a big thing,' he told her However, viewers were less than impressed as they took to X - formerly known as Twitter to claim that the declaration was all part of his plan to win the £50,000 prize And his fellow Islanders also seemed less than convinced as they received quite the mixed reaction upon telling the group their news. Though the other Islanders all clapped and cheered them, the truth later came out during a challenge, where they had to share their true feelings on other couples. The Islanders repeatedly brought up Dejon and Meg's love declaration as they questioned the timing, before they were voted as the 'fakest' couple. Yasmin was very vocal after voting for them in the category, recalling how Dejon had repeatedly been caught out for not being truthful about his flirty chats. She claimed: 'I think there's been a lot of times D where you've been caught out on movie nights or saying certain things and downplaying certain situations with other girls that have been in this villa. 'And I think sometimes it can seem like things have been rushed between you two.' Toni Laites also voted for them as 'fake' because they never told her about her ex Harrison Solomon having sex with Lauren Wood despite using their 'friendship' as an excuse after arguments. NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. Megan Moore NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Yasmin Pettet AGE: 24 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Commercial Banking Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for a guy who is fit, has a nice body and who is funny with a bit of banter. WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? A guy that's stingy NAME: Jamie Rhodes AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Electric Engineer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Bubbly, cheeky, outgoing, good face card and a nice bum. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I'll be in amongst the drama! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, I'm gonna take it by the horns and go for it. NAME: Ty Isherwood AGE: 23 OCCUPATION: Site Engineer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I go off energy, if we vibe. I've typically dated brunettes, tanned, nice teeth with a nice smile. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? A head turner! I get along with lads easily and like to make people laugh. NAME: Cacherel 'Cach' Mercer AGE: 24 OCCUPATION: Professional Dancer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who's emotionally intelligent, beautiful, charismatic, caring, affectionate, and I'd say an intro extrovert. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I think I'm gonna get into trouble, I feel like I'll be the joker of the group! I'll also be the person people come to for advice… and a bit of eye candy at the same time. ......................................................................................................................... Angel NAME: Angel Swift AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Practitioner and Salon Owner WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm ready to make memories with someone, go travelling with them and fall in love WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I feel like people have been getting their heads turned very easily. I do feel like I have quite a good chance of turning someone's head.
South Wales Guardian
20 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Peter Phillips announces engagement to girlfriend Harriet Sperling
Peter and his partner were pictured in photographs released to mark the occasion with Ms Sperling showing off her engagement ring. The King, Queen and senior royals have been told the news but a date has yet to be officially set for the wedding. A statement released on the couple's behalf said: 'Mr Peter Phillips, the son of HRH The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips, and Ms Harriet Sperling, daughter of the late Mr Rupert Sanders and Mrs Mary Sanders of Gloucestershire, have today confirmed their official engagement. 'Both families were informed jointly of the announcement and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement. 'Their Majesties the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales have been informed of the announcement. No date has been officially set for the wedding.' Speculation about the relationship first began more than a year ago when they were spotted together at social events. More recently Peter and Harriet, an NHS nurse, were guests of Charles and Camilla on the first day of Royal Ascot in June. The couple were invited to take part in the traditional carriage procession the royal family make onto the famous Berkshire racecourse to signal the start of the day. Mr Phillips has two daughters, Savannah and Isla Phillips, from his first marriage to Autumn Phillips. They couple married at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in 2008 and divorced more than 11 years later.
Sky News
36 minutes ago
- Sky News
Why the Oasis reunion tour is 'catastrophic' for Edinburgh Fringe performers
For years now, many performers at Edinburgh Fringe have spoken about their struggles to afford the sky-high prices for their accommodation each August. This year, with Oasis's reunion tour coming to the city for three nights, the cost of securing a room for a month at the biggest arts festival in the world is even higher. Comedian Marc Borrows says "the 'Oasis effect' on the Fringe economy has been catastrophic". Rather fittingly, his stand-up show this year is called The Britpop Hour. "It's an idea I'd had in my back pocket for a while," he explains. "Then the band reformed and when I saw they were playing Edinburgh I thought 'yeah, this is the year to do this!'" While he's thrilled that the Gallagher brothers are coming to town, it means many performers are taking a financial hit. "I'll give you an example, I tried to get the same flat that I've had the last two years at the Fringe, a student flat, nothing fancy, and it costs an extra thousand pounds this year." Because of the increased demand for beds, newcomer Amy Albright will be sleeping in her red Volkswagen for her two-week stint at the Fringe. "Costs are even more expensive," she says. "It's just not an option for me, so instead I'm living in my car." With blackout blinds and a portable coffee maker, she says it's actually not as bad as some might think. "I park just outside of town in a really nice safe area, I use a gym for showers ... this saves me so much money ... I wouldn't be able to afford to perform at the Fringe otherwise." Holly Spillar's show Tall Child explores her relationship with class. She was fortunate enough to be one of 180 recipients of a £2,500 bursary from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. It is the third year the Keep it Fringe fund has been run, backed this year by a £1m injection of government money. As Holly explains: "I live month to month on a minimum wage job ... and it costs me about five grand to do the fringe." Alongside the grant, she's also had to take out a loan, which she says will take her two years to pay back. "It's a very precarious situation you put yourself in just to be in the room," she adds. Chloe Petts - now an established name on the comedy circuit - says the problem needs to be recognised for being less about Oasis and more about a problem that's been brewing for years. "Accommodation is just totally out of control," she says. "If this leads us to further conversations about that, then fantastic but ... it has to be a conversation about how it's totally unaffordable for the average person to come to the Fringe, and I think that's stopping a lot of people coming up who deserve to be here." Scottish comedian Susan McCabe, a lifelong Oasis fan, reckons there's no point getting too worked up, especially given the siblings fractious relationship. "We are here every year and they may not even be here for those three gigs ... they might have fallen out by then!" She adds: "It is what it is, at the end of the day ... they were the greatest rock and roll band of the 1990s, just let them be."
