Head to Toe

By Teresa Simon

Photography: courtesy craftcentral.org.uk

Shoes by Tracey Neuls

Top milliners and shoe designers explore the craft process and skill behind the drama, impact and, often, fun of hats and shoes at the opening of Crafts Council galleries at London this week…

Coinciding with the London Fashion Week, the newly launched gallery spaces of the Crafts Council in St. John’s Square, London open their doors to ‘Head to Toe’, an exhibition that showcases the best in contemporary millinery and shoe design.

Hat by Stephen Jones

Open to all from the 18^th to the 28^th of February, 2013, Head to Toe showcases covetable work from an exciting and diverse group of 20 designers – Hats by Atelier Millinery, Bailey Tomlin, Dinu Bodiciu, Emma Yeo, House of Flora, Katherine Elizabeth, Lisa Critcher, Martina Bohn, Noel Stewart, Orizu, Rachel Black, Raina Lehmann and Stephen Jones; shoes by Anthropoid Clothing, Caroline Groves, Hetty Rose, London College of Fashion Cordwainers, Marloes ten Bhömer, Namaan Ebdon and Tracey Neuls, the collection is flanked by gorgeous mirrors by none other than Haidee Drew.

Headgear by Emma Yeo

Some eye-catching sculptural forms and innovative use of materials from big names in the worlds of millinery and shoe design interpret a new vocabulary that speaks of nuances of classic combined with present-day trendy devil-may-care attitudes that seem to oft visit the fashion scenarios irrespective of region, culture and age. 

Shoes by Marloes ten Bhömer

Almost any material seems to be challenge to this breed of designers. With a lessened divide between designing for the ramp and that for ‘wearable’ prêt and couture, acclaimed talents like Noel Stewart once again stands apart with his ability to combine chic and surprise simultaneously. Emma Yeo is another designer, whose breath-taking compositions easily overpower a sea of milliners, literally making heads turn!

Shoes by Caroline Groves

While each designer has a distinct penchant and an individual style born out of several discerning clientele wannabes, the exhibition is a good mix of stalwart and emerging talents, come together in a show of strength, vision and peep-into-the-morrow!

Milliner Katherine Elizabeth's creation

Venue: Craft Central
33-35 St John’s Square, London, EC1M 4DS

Timings: 11-6pm Mon-Sat

Entry: Free

For more information: http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk