There are two designers to whom we owe the proliferation of fascinators on the runway in the past 30 years: Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy. Jones got his start in the ‘80s New Romantic club scene, crafting hats for fellow “Blitz Kids” like Boy George. Eventually, he worked his way from the Blitz scene to the Sloane Rangers, outfitting Princess Diana in his designs. Jones is also known for his work with Jean Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler, John Galliano (in his Dior days), and Vivienne Westwood.
He has recently collaborated with Thom Browne — for example, the fanciful lawn-game-inspired pieces from the designer’s spring 2015 show, which came in the shape of shuttlecocks and daisies, or the more funerary creations from Browne’s fall 2015 mourning-themed collection. “Working with Stephen is always something I look forward to each season,” Browne tells the Cut, “because what we create together truly finishes the collection.”
Treacy is closely associated with Alexander McQueen, for whom he designed countless memorable designs, including a butterfly hat for his fall 2007 collection in memory of their mutual friend Isabella Blow. (It resonated outside the fashion world to the point where it made the cover of The New Yorker.) He’s also worked with Chanel, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karan, and has designed hats for many members of the royal family and for American royalty Lady Gaga and SJP.
Click through the slideshow to see some of the duo’s best runway work over the years.