Steve Harrison - International Hat Designer of the Year
September 18th 2008 21:28
Hats confirm their comeback among a younger customer base which is back in touch with this ever so stylish accessory. This season shows us that everything is possible, depending on the mood and the occasion - and noone demonstrates this better than Australian Milliner Steve Harrison.
Steve Harrison is a Brisbane based milliner who only began his craft in 2006. He was announced a top finalist in the International Hat Designer of the Year 2007 - a prestigous international competition being held in the world's fashion capital of Paris and was back showcasing his innovation to the world at Who's Next International Fashion Show in Paris last week.
Since his inception to the craft, 47 year old Steve Harrison has been internationally recognised for his extraordinary millinery creations. In his very first year his creations were showcased in an installation at the world's most exclusive accesories trade show - Premiere in Paris and he was awarded second prize as International Hat Designer of the Year - an event that attracts more than 45,000 visitors from all over the world.
He likens his design approach to that of an artistan, taking a "design brief" for each of his "wearable scuptures" and sourcing all of his materials and inspiration throughout his travels. Highly visual Steve is never far from his sketchbook or his camera. He lucid dreams and thinks in 3D to create his "wearable sculptures".
"I prefer to liken myself to an a corden bleu chef. I collect the bespoke ingredients to make the women who wear my art feel the way that they desire," he states.
But his creations are not made for even a 'a la carte' menu. "I will never cook the same dish twice," he says. "Once it has revealed itself, I don't want to do it again."
Steve had not even picked up a needle until he had started at an Australian technical college TAFE in 2006 but he attributes his millinery success to the brilliance and mentoring of his tutor, Robyn Smallhorn, his diverse academic and work background and his unique design approach. Steve has a diverse academic education in science, sales management, industrial/graphic design, psychology and sculpture.
It appears that Steve is also ethically motivated, with his creations often motivated by the challenge to create pieces that encourage discussion, and ultimately break down barriers. He also boasts an ethical charging model - one rate for all customers regardless of bank balance. A marketing approach almost lost in the world of haute couture.
Steve has ambitious plans for his millinery career having already trained with many of the world's most renown artisans including Peter Jaegar, Jan Wutkowski, Neil Grigg and Eia Radosavljevic. It appears that this competition could just be his big break. He has his sights set on following the world's Group 1 Racing Calendar with his fast growing A List clientele.
"My partner is crazy about horse-racing and I am passionate about fashion. If I could do it all over again, I would have done it sooner," he says.
The Paris exposition has been voted such a success that the installation travels the world again this year. Steve Harrison is relocating to nearer shores where his creations can don the heads of all the Ascot beauties and shines his way to Kensington!
Bon Voyage Steve!
Steve Harrison is a Brisbane based milliner who only began his craft in 2006. He was announced a top finalist in the International Hat Designer of the Year 2007 - a prestigous international competition being held in the world's fashion capital of Paris and was back showcasing his innovation to the world at Who's Next International Fashion Show in Paris last week.
International Hat Designer of the Year Competition Premiere Classe
Since his inception to the craft, 47 year old Steve Harrison has been internationally recognised for his extraordinary millinery creations. In his very first year his creations were showcased in an installation at the world's most exclusive accesories trade show - Premiere in Paris and he was awarded second prize as International Hat Designer of the Year - an event that attracts more than 45,000 visitors from all over the world.
He likens his design approach to that of an artistan, taking a "design brief" for each of his "wearable scuptures" and sourcing all of his materials and inspiration throughout his travels. Highly visual Steve is never far from his sketchbook or his camera. He lucid dreams and thinks in 3D to create his "wearable sculptures".
"I prefer to liken myself to an a corden bleu chef. I collect the bespoke ingredients to make the women who wear my art feel the way that they desire," he states.
But his creations are not made for even a 'a la carte' menu. "I will never cook the same dish twice," he says. "Once it has revealed itself, I don't want to do it again."
Steve had not even picked up a needle until he had started at an Australian technical college TAFE in 2006 but he attributes his millinery success to the brilliance and mentoring of his tutor, Robyn Smallhorn, his diverse academic and work background and his unique design approach. Steve has a diverse academic education in science, sales management, industrial/graphic design, psychology and sculpture.
It appears that Steve is also ethically motivated, with his creations often motivated by the challenge to create pieces that encourage discussion, and ultimately break down barriers. He also boasts an ethical charging model - one rate for all customers regardless of bank balance. A marketing approach almost lost in the world of haute couture.
Steve has ambitious plans for his millinery career having already trained with many of the world's most renown artisans including Peter Jaegar, Jan Wutkowski, Neil Grigg and Eia Radosavljevic. It appears that this competition could just be his big break. He has his sights set on following the world's Group 1 Racing Calendar with his fast growing A List clientele.
"My partner is crazy about horse-racing and I am passionate about fashion. If I could do it all over again, I would have done it sooner," he says.
The Paris exposition has been voted such a success that the installation travels the world again this year. Steve Harrison is relocating to nearer shores where his creations can don the heads of all the Ascot beauties and shines his way to Kensington!
Bon Voyage Steve!
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