Inspiration from the top of your head

Hats, An Anthology by Stephen Jones is the latest exhibition at the V&A.  I never have really considered the creativity and innovations around hat making, something can often be so simple and practical can also be a statement and art.  Whilst wondering round I began to think about what we could learn from these creations.   So firstly there is the Inspiration stage – Inspiration can be taken from anything and anyone, he says a hat begins life as an idea in the mind of a Milliner.  It can be inspired by a vague perception, a sound, a scent or solid object.  Stephen Jones says ‘I simply life my life and put it into a hat’.  Next comes Creation –  The Milliners workroom or atelier is the creative laboratory where hat designs are transformed from ideas into reality.  Whist tools, methods and materials have changed over the years the actual process is still very similar, where expert handwork is vital.  He describes each hat being coaxed into being, this sounds to me almost like it lives and breathes.  For us in the world of marketing ideas I think we can learn from the Milliner in his ability to look around at the world and turn it into an idea, a hat.  Inspiration comes from everywhere.  visit http://www.vam.ac.uk – talks and events to hear more from Stephen Jones