This years Judging for The Feltmaker’s Design Award took place on April 15th at Haberdashers’ Hall. There were entries from UK colleges as well as from Europe. Judging this years entries were milliners Rachel Trevor Morgan (liveryman), Edwina Ibbotson and Piers Atkinson: designer and manufacturer Ian Wright (liveryman) and retired manufacturer William Horsman (liveryman): Hilary
Alexander OBE, fashion journalist, and Carol Denford, editor of the Hat Magazine. We were joined by The Master Edward Hutton and his wife Cathy who welcomed Gilly Yarrow, Feltmaker and currently Lady Mayoress along with the Sherriff’s consorts Mrs Parmley and David Moss who witnessed the final winners being chosen.
This year’s first prize was awarded to Melissa Mehrtens from Northampton College. Her headdress ‘Celestial Chaos’ was a beautifully crafted and dramatic piece. Melissa had drawn her inspiration from Norse mythology focused myths and legends. She also also looked at the work of Eric Standley, an artist who creates deeply layered sculptures. She will receive a cheque for £1200.
The second prize went to Hannah Wyatt from Kensington and Chelsea College. Using the colours and patterns of flamingo wings she created a shape that was reflective of the 1950s and 60s kitsch. This piece was finely crafted with hand-painted felt and gold leaf. She will receive a cheque for £600.
The third prize was awarded to Guinevere Newton from Northampton College. Her hat explored the contours that nature creates and drew particular inspiration from the natural and unique shapes of curly Kale. She will receive a cheque for £400.
The prize for craftsmanship went to Stefania Bruno from Morley College. Her design was inspired by fencing and historical armour,
The prize for Commercial appeal went to Lucienne Emily Lucke from The Fashion Institute of Vienna. Her felt ‘cat’ hat was inspired by Manga anime.
The Artwork and presentation prize went to Jemma Eastwood from Northampton College for her intricate and colourful artwork.
The innovative use of felt prize went to Tracey Field from Kensington and Chelsea College. She took traditional Fairisle patterns and knitted felt into a beret.
We were also joined by Jollyon Coombs, our Clerk and Jasmine our model. We are also very grateful to Carol Denford for photographing the event.
Rachel Trevor-Morgan
All photographs by Carole Denford, courtesy of The Hat Magazine
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