There are a couple of things I am fond of from my travels to Britain including Jaguar automobiles and hats. The British have another empire to be proud of: millinery. The art of British millinery has produced such names as Stephen Jones, Philip Treacy, Justin Smith, Prudence, and Noel Stewart. Stewart’s career as a milliner began as a student making ornamental items such as lampshades. At one point, he was asked to create a hat for a party, and from there launched his path to millinery. He takes on a global perspective for inspiration with a commercial and couture line. Stewart defies himself through the variety of material and shape creating wearable sculptures. He largely works with women’s wear designers, but also accepts private commissions. He has worked with Stephen Jones, Christian Dior Haute Couture, and Roland Mouret. From this side of the Atlantic to the other, we had a tête-à-tête with Mr. Stewart.

-Qualities you most admire in design: Integrity and innovation.

-Qualities you least admire in design: Laziness.

-Reading: Spirits of Place by Jane Brown & Wild Swimming.

-Dream project: collaboration with Balenciaga, Chanel, Lanvin, Celine, Christopher Kane.

-Favorite virtue: Honesty.

-Favorite vice: Honesty and sex.

-What clothing item best describes your personality? My egg yolk yellow Adidas.

-How would you describe your own look quickly? Very mixed.

-What is your favorite destination? Buenos Aires and Normandy.

-What is your investment piece or greatest fashion extravagance? My Sibling Leopard jumper

-What is your most marked characteristic? Changeability.

-If you could have someone else’s house, whose would it be? Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water

-Who are your fantasy lunch date guest/s? Eddie Sedgwick, Nureyev, Schlemmer, Tatlin, the Shah, Rock Hudson, Jeanne Lanvin, Alaia, Tina Turner, Lauren Bacall, Alice Channer.

-What can’t you travel without? My iPhone charger and my thimble.

-Whose diary would you like to read? Nureyev.

-Which words or phrases do you most overuse? AMAZING!

-Which talent would you most like to have? Business acumen.

-What is your most treasured possession? I don’t treasure possessions.

Ashkan