Munira Mirza, Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture, on Hatwalk, one of this summer’s amazing Surprises.

Munira Mirza, Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture, on Hatwalk, one of this summer’s amazing Surprises.

Just for four days some of London’s most iconic statues will be bedecked in bespoke headwear crafted by some of the UK’s leading milliners as Hatwalk turns central London into a catwalk for hats.

It is a fabulous, unique project that pays tribute to our wonderful creative millinery talent, whilst doffing its hat to London’s rich and incredible history, by bringing these grand but sometimes overlooked national treasures to life in a new way.

Here’s what a few of those involved in bringing Hatwalk to life had to say:

 “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the heritage of British millinery and its contribution to our fair city than by dressing our most noble of statues, including our most heroic son, Nelson in creations dreamt up by our leading visionaries.’

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

 

“Britain has long been credited as being the centre of the modern millinery world and these hats are the work of our most celebrated and inspired creators.”

Stephen Jones, miliner

 

“HATWALK emphasises the link between our remarkable heritage and cutting edge, contemporary culture - two qualities that are core to modern Britain.”

Tristram Hunt, historian and MP

 

“Not only are the hats thrilling to look at but the designers have researched their statues in such painstaking detail that it has made their history come alive in the most vibrant way.

Paula Reed, Style Director, Grazia magazine

 

“What a way to highlight the amazing talent during such an exciting time for the UK. The project really does sum up British Fashion today; innovative, fun and creative.”

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council

 

 "London is particularly fortunate in its public statuary and I hope these hats draw everyone's attention to an often under-appreciated part of our cultural heritage."

Andrew Roberts, British Historian

 

‘Some of the statues lucky enough to be selected to be adorned by ‘Hatwalk’ are in the care of English Heritage. All the statues chosen play a vital part in the telling of England's story.’

Simon Thurley, CEO English Heritage

 

Hatwalk is in central London from 30 July to 2 August. Find out more at: molpresents.com/hatwalk