Worshipful Company of London Design Competition: Class of 2024

The Competition was launched to support individuals who aspire to join the hat trade. It is currently open to millinery students, apprentices and those who are within the first two years of starting their own headwear labels.

Entrants are invited to submit designs that are exciting, innovative and unique. Submitted hats must be predominantly made of felt and suitable to be manufactured in a workroom or a factory. Comfort and wearability are also taken into consideration.

There are three main prizes and four additional categories: Craftsmanship, Commercial Appeal, Innovative Use of Felt and Artwork and Presentation. This year there were also two Highly Commended entries.

The judging of the 2024 Competition took place on 22nd April at Haberdashers’ Hall in London. The judging panel consisted of retired hat manufacturer, William Horsman, milliners Eda Rose Lawson, Rachel Trevor-Morgan, Edwina Ibbotson and Victoria Grant, as well as Victoria Claridge, millinery buyer for Fenwick.

The judging was also attended by the Master of the Company, Simon Wilkinson, the Lady Mayoress Mrs Elizabeth Mainelli and the Sheriffs’ Consorts, Mr Gary Langley and Mrs Jane Masojada, who witnessed the final deliberations. Hats were modelled by Tess and photographed by Peter Clark.

As ever there was a superb array of entries and the standard of craftsmanship was high. Entries came from Morley College and Nottingham Trent University, as well as apprentices and new start-ups.

Winners:

First prize: Richard Basa, Ian Bennett apprentice
– Received £1500 and two weeks’ work experience with established milliners
– Hat: “The Autumn Bride” inspired by the Greek Goddess, Persephone
– Concept from brown paper recyclable packaging with honeycomb effect
– Dramatic yet wearable, beautifully crafted with cut felt technique creating a felt veil

Second Prize: Kate McGinlay, Morley College
– Received £1000
– Headpiece inspired by Brompton cemetery, light and shadow effects
– Developed from paper toiles resembling an enormous quiff
– Inspired by extravagant wigs worn by Macaroni Club members in the 18th Century

Third prize: Julia Lewis, Morley College
– Received £750
– Cartoon cake headpiece inspired by animated movie hats and 2D cartoon cakes
– Witty and fun entry, beautifully made

Special Category prizes (£250 each):

Craftsmanship: Kat Barclay, Ian Bennett apprentice
– “Medusa” headpiece inspired by Ancient Greek mythology
– Curves and snakes around the head, made from felt and velvet

Commercial Appeal: Connie Norton, new start up
– Feminine and simple felt crescent with beaded handmade felt flower

Artwork and Presentation: Kristin Fossa, Nottingham Trent University
– “Frida, Femininity and Flowers” inspired by Frida Kahlo’s art
– Felt woven to represent hair, inserted with vibrant felt flowers

Innovative Use of Felt: Roberta Cucuzza, Morley College
– Headpiece created by crocheting felt
– Inspired by fivefold symmetry in nature, like sea urchins

Highly Commended entries: Alice To and Emily Langley

All winning entries were displayed at the Livery Banquet at The Mansion House. The winner was invited to attend with designer Ian Bennett.

The 2025 competition will be open to a wider base. Look out for the announcement of the launch.

For further information, follow @feltmakers on Instagram.

RACHEL TREVOR-MORGAN