Hat Designer Philip Treacy
Irish-born designer Philip Treacy studied at the Royal College of Art. His mastery of the traditional art of millenery sets him apart from other milleners. Balance, swooping and carving of his hats are beyond comparison.
Orchid Hats
On visiting Singapore National Orchid Gardens, Philip Treacy was so stimulated by the colour, shape, texture and complexity of the patterns that the orchids soon became hats. Here Philip Treacy recounts the inspiring visit.
Five years ago I embarked on a trip to Singapore. I was there primarily for a show we were putting on at The Singapore Races, but while I was there the lush gardens and parklands of the country entranced me. The numerous trees and flowering shrubs that lined the expressway – and the vibrant plants that hung from seemingly every balcony and overhead bridge – were simply incredible.
I had read of the famous Singapore Botanical Gardens. Upon visiting, I discovered a combination of untouched primary forest and speciality gardens displaying frangipanis, roses, ferns and desert plants. A diverse range of plant species were on display, including many rare specimens; it was a collection I would rate as one of the finest in the world.
I was extremely fortunate to be given a guided tour of the National Orchid Garden by its director. The 2,000 orchids on display transfixed me. I was so stimulated by the colour, shape, texture and complexity of the patterns that, like a thunderbolt to my eye, the orchids soon became hats. A name has yet to be discovered to adequately describe the truly magnificent flower. The Paphiopedilum is a notable exception; its generic name can be translated literally as the ‘slipper of Aphrodite’. Paphiopedilum derives from the Greek Paphian, an epithet for Aphrodite, and pedilion, which means slipper. This name has been modified to ‘slipper orchid’ due to the delicate and distinct shape of the flower’s lip.
On my return from Singapore, I received a letter from the Chamber Syndicale de le Couture. It was an invitation to show at the Haute Couture, taking place the following January in Paris. I was the first hat designer to be granted this honour in eighty years. I was to join legends like Valentino, Versace and Karl Lagerfeld, to name but a few. Just as my imagination created hats in Singapore, my memories of those beautiful flowers blossomed again to become inspiration for my first Couture show.
These specimens are incredibly inspiring – both exotic and complex. In many ways the orchid’s anatomy revolutionised my perception of beauty and therefore has had a profound effect on my designs. |
