Remembering Mr. John

Vlasta Kapsová

Czech Republic

HATalk Issue 168: Millinery Masters: Mr. John

"Remembering Mr. John" is a tribute to the most influential hat designer. Mr. John was as famous in the world of hats as Christian Dior was in the realm of haute couture. I admire the elegance and glamour on Mr. John´s creations. I was inspired by a concreet piece presented by model Carmen Dell’Orefice and called Overheard in an Orchard (by Mr John of New York c. 1955, photo available in the MAAS collection).

For my hat creation, I have chosen a classic felt base in black velour shaped on the original old hat block. The base is decorated with a hand made laurel branches. The branches are made of copper wires on which are soldered laurel leaves and flowers cut from the copper foil. I like to mix classic and modern shapes, common and unusual materials to enrich my creations. Soldering is an amazing technique used in jewlery and because I consider a hat to be jewelry I applied it for this hat to create a glamourous jewel. The laurel has symbolized victory since ancient times. I have chosen the laurel as a symbol of hope to face and overcome all the difficulties of today's times health situation worldwide impose on us.

• Classic velour felt shaped on the original old hatblock.
• Hand made laurel branches made of copper wires on which are soldered laurel leaves and flowers cut from the copper foil.

• hatb locking
• soldering
• copper wire and foil manipulation
• sewing