Icon - Philip Treacy

This weeks Wednesday Icon is the wonderful and awe inspiring Philip Treacy!

This man's vision has changed how we perceive hats now a days, hats aren't so much formal wear but works of art pushing the boundaries of fashion and millinery. Have a look for yourself at his creations . . .

Designing for demure ladies, princesses, socialites and beloved rebels, he creates unique pieces complimenting each lady and making a statement whether big or small.

Born in Ireland in 1967, Treacy later moved to Dublin to study fashion at the National College of Art and Design it was during this time we went and undertook an internship with milliner Stephen Jones. Choosing to study for his masters in London's Royal College of Art, it was here he got his name out by taking one of his hats to Tatler Magazine where my beloved Icon Isabella Blow (Delves Broughton at the time though) was style editor. She proceeded to ask Treacy for a bespoke piece for her upcoming nuptials to Detmar Blow in 1989. This sparked a life long friendship between the two. After graduating Treacy even opened workshops in the basement of her house, if that's not friendship I don't know what is.

In 1991 one of his creations appears on the cover of British Vogue and he later wins his first BFC Accessory Designer of the Year Award. He then starts to create pieces for catwalk shows, such as Chanel, Valentino, McQueen and Givenchy to name but a few. In 1993 he had his first solo show with world famous super models walking the runway in his hats. 

In 2000 he was extended an invitation by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to stage his Orchid Collection in Paris, this was the first Couture show devoted exclusively to hats, if that doesn't show you how special this man is I really don't know what will!

He created Camilla Parker Bowles headpiece for her wedding to Prince Charles. He also was behind Princess Beatrice and Eugenie's hats at Prince William and Kate's wedding, yes  you know which ones I mean.

2007 Isabella Blow dies, prompting Treacy and McQueen to join forces to dedicate a show in her honour. He also had one of his most incredible creations on her coffin as it was carried to the cathedral for her funeral. An inspiring mentor and close friend  they shared a bond till the end. He received an OBE later that year. 

Who can forget his pieces for Lady Gaga's telephone video!

2010 took another of his close friends Alexander McQueen, papers chose to use one of Treacy's pieces for the cover see the stunning piece below.

2012 Treacy made a comeback with his own catwalk show which received more acclaim and showed he shows no signs of slowing down, thank goodness.

I'm sure you can see why he is this weeks Wednesday Icon!

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