There is a varied programme of events to complement the exhibition, some of these are listed below.
Lunchtime Talk
Hats: An Anthology by Stephen JonesWednesday 18 March
Hochhauser Auditorium, Sackler Centre
13.15–14.00
Exhibition curator Oriole Cullen presents a free, illustrated talk.
Free, no ticket required.
Symposium
Heads Up – Exploring Hats and HeadwearFriday 20 March
Seminar Room 3
10.30–17.00
Hear milliners, curators, writers, clients and those involved in the fashion world discuss why, how, and what is covered by our understanding of modern hats and headwear in this one-day symposium. Talks will explore both the design and making of contemporary hats, and the socio-cultural context for how and when they are worn. Invited speakers include V&A curators Oriole Cullen and Claire Wilcox, the milliner Stephen Jones and fashion journalist Colin McDowell.
Tickets: £45, £35 concessions
Events for People with Disabilities
Thursday 26 March
Meeting Point, Grand Entrance
14.30–15.30
Exhibition curator Oriole Cullen will lead a BSL interpreted tour of the exhibition.
Free, advanced booking essential. To book, call 020 7942 2211
Special Events
Heavenly Hats27–29 March
Throughout the V&A
A special weekend of talks and workshops devoted to the history, making and styling of hats. The weekend kicks off with French Connection Friday Late Mad Hatters, including an interview with Stephen Jones on his favourite hats, and continues with a study day on historical headwear, a session with top stylists on the dos and don’ts of wearing hats, a digital dressing-up session and a demonstration by a top milliner.
Free, except the talk, study day and seminar. See separate listings for full details.
French Connection Friday Late
Mad HattersFriday 27 March
Throughout the V&A
18.30–22.00
Celebrate the world of millinery with unique hat re-fashioning workshops, hat-inspired performances and vintage live music. Pose for the camera in a Victorian-style photo booth and watch a contemporary Easter bonnet parade
Free, drop-in, except the Stephen Jones talk.
More informationEvening Talk
Stephen Jones – On HatsFriday 27 March
Lecture Theatre
19.00–20.00
A conversation with arguably the most original and radical milliner working today. Jones talks about his favourite hats, his inspirations and his remarkable career.
Tickets: £8, £5 concessions
Digital Drop-in
Hats Off to FashionSaturday 28 March
10.30–16.30
Digital Studio, Sackler Centre
Get your photo taken and then virtually try on a selection of hats from the exhibition Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones. See what you look like as a Samurai warrior or a 1950s society queen.
Free, drop-in
Study Day
Top Hats and TalesA History of Hat Design and Production
Saturday 28 March 2009
10.00–15.00
Seminar Room 1, Sackler Centre
Discover the fascinating stories behind the materials and making of hats from the mid 1700s up to the 20th century, including iconic designs such as the Bergère and the Leghorn through to 60’s streetwear and the flamboyance and wit of contemporary headpieces. Veronica Main, Curator of Costume and Textiles for Museums Luton, will reveal how fashion trends and social influences affected hat design through the 1800s, until industrial changes revolutionised the industry at the beginning of the 20th century. Milliner and textile artist, Sarah Cant will chart the acceleration of millinery fashion through the last century.
Tickets: £40, £30 concessions
Seminar
How to Wear HatsSaturday 28 March
11.30–13.15 or 15.30–17.15
Design Studio, Sackler Centre
Join professional stylists and buyers from leading fashion emporium Selfridges to explore how, when and where hats should be worn. Discover the styles that suit you, look at new and seasonal designs and find out how millinery trends and fashions are created and influenced.
Tickets: £15, £10 concessions
Demonstration
Vintage Feather TrimmingsSunday 29 March
11.00–13.00 & 14.00–16.00
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
Kirsten Scott will be demonstrating a range of techniques developed to create
the effects of classic feather trimmings used from the 18th through to the 20th centuries.
Learn to create 'birds of paradise' feather effects as well as other fantastic feather creations.
You will have the opportunity to try out some of the techniques.
Free, drop-in
Course
The Artful MillinerHistorical and Contemporary Hat Making
Tuesdays from 14 April – 19 May
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
10.30–16.30
Learn basic millinery skills, stitches and techniques as well as tricks of the trade
with expert milliner Caroline Morris. Be inspired by both historical and contemporary
headpieces in the exhibition Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones and create headwear
reflecting your own style. A tour of the exhibition and some behind the scenes insight
will enhance your understanding of this eclectic art.
Suitable for all levels, although basic sewing skills would be helpful
Tickets: £380, no concessions (includes lunch and basic materials)
Inside Outing
Stephen Jones WorkshopWednesday 15 April
Seminar Room 1, Sackler Centre and Stephen Jones Millinery, Covent Garden
10.30–16.30
A rare opportunity for visitors to experience the atmosphere and working environment of one of the world’s leading contemporary milliners. The day begins at the V&A with a talk on the history of hats, their design, development and significance in contemporary fashion by the curator of the V&A exhibition, Oriole Cullen. In the afternoon participants will visit Stephen Jones Millinery in Covent Garden for a talk by Stephen Jones on the history, design and development of his collection followed by a unique opportunity to see inside the workshop.
Tickets: £45, no concessions (excludes lunch and travel)
