Christys' names creative director

Fashion

Hat makers Christys’ London have appointed milliner Noel Stewart to be the company’s first creative director. The British heritage brand, which has been manufacturing hats since 1773, was acquired in 2011 by Liberty’s and chose Stewart to

lead the hat makers for his “in-depth understand of the industry” as well as his “unique ability to create contemporary headwear”.

Known

for its craftsmanship, Christys’ London has been manufacturing hats for the police, armed forces, as well as British royals, starting with King George III. Proud of its heritage roots, Christys’ is the only company in the world still making high quality top hats and bowlers in the traditional way, using hat skills established more than 200 years ago.

Today Christys’ offers a wide range of hats for men and women, ranging from traditional to fashion styles with a contemporary edge and the brand is also known for providing hats for catwalk collections. In recent years, Christys’ has worked with Paul Smith, Margaret Howell and Kenzo. The introduction of Stewart as the brand’s creative director is to ensure that the label “looks forward”, while remaining true to its heritage.

Christys’ London appoints Noel Stewart

Commenting on the appointment, Christys’ London managing director, Steve Clarke, said: “Bringing Noel on side as creative director will ensure that Christys' looks forward with a clear vision and great creativity, whilst not losing touch with our 240 years of British hat making heritage.

“It’s a very exciting time for Christys’ hats and I can think of no-one better than Noel to guide us creatively on our future journey.”

Stewart added: “It is a great honour to be involved at this turning point for Christys'. This is a unique opportunity: there are so few hat companies with this kind of heritage so to be a part of the re-birth of an iconic hat brand is really exciting.”

A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Stewart is known for taking inspiration from contemporary art and architecture, and has worked with designers Dai Rees and Stephen Jones, where he also worked with Christian Dior, John Galliano and Louis Vuitton. He then went onto establish his own label where he has collaborated with designers Roksanda Ilincic, Erdem, and Gareth Pugh, and most recently created hats for Holly Fulton’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection.

In addition to their standalone boutique at Princes Arcade, London, Christys’ hats are also available in Liberty, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Brown Thomas in the UK, and Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

Image: Noel Stewart