Justin created bespoke hats for the lead character ‘Bertha Russell’ (Carrie Coon) working closely with Kassia Walicka-Maimone deigning the costume, in the second series of ‘The Gilded Age’ by director & writer Julian Fellowes.
21 November 2023
‘The Gilded age’, Season 2


21 November 2023
‘The Marvels’ Launch
‘The Marvels’ is out now featuring the iconic ‘jellyfish hat’ on Brie Larson/Carol Denvers. Such a pleaure to create this magical hat along with others in the movie for designer Lindsay Pugh.
Director Nia Dacosta.

19 October 2023
Atelier Jolie X J Smith Esquire – British Vogue
Angelina Jolie announces the collaboration between Atelier Jolie X J Smith Esquire in Vogue November issue:
âIâve met a lot of artisans over the years â very capable, talented people â and Iâd like to see them grow,â Jolie says as she gives me a tour of the space before the contractors go to work. Her list of collaborators includes the London-based milliner Justin Smith, the American artist Duke Riley, and South African lacemaker Pierre FouchĂŠ. – Angelina Jolie, British Vogue.
https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/angelina-jolie-interview-atelier-jolie


29 September 2023
Atelier Jolie X J Smith Esquire – Vogue.com
You can see Angelina Wearing the new J Smith Esquire ‘Crest jewellery’ in the Latest Vogue.com.
And below a link to the article talking about the aim for Atelier Jolie and the ongoing collaboration.
https://www.vogue.com/article/angelina-jolie-digital-cover-interview-atelier-jolie



24 April 2023
Harrods ‘pop-up’
The Harrods J smith Esquire ‘pop-up’ is installed.
To mark the event there is a very special collection of unique pieces alongside the ‘Couture botanicals’ collection and a selection of pieces from each collection made especially for Harrods. If you cant make it down in the next couple of weeks, not to worry as they will be on sale until the end of June.


13 April 2023
Guardian’s ‘Best photo of the day’
So proud that a photograph of the scrabble crown and myself has be featured on the Guardian’s ‘Best photographs of the day’:

13 April 2023
‘Srabble Crown’ – 75 Years of Scrabble
Today, marking 75 years of the original word game, Scrabble unveils a couture custom Crown made of 319 Scrabble tiles, an homage to the St Edwards Crown that will be used in the Coronation of King Charles III – created by British milliner to the stars Justin Smith.


15 March 2023
‘Couture Botanicals’ in Harrods
A collection of the very finest couture hats made exclusively by⨠J Smith Esquire for sale in HARRODS, Londonâs leading luxury department store.
The first collection for Harrods is a masterclass in millineryâ¨skills referencing the textures, shapes and colours ofâ¨inspirational flora. It comprises of five unique couture headâ¨adornments built around the classic hairband to bring aâ¨contemporary edge.
The hats will be on sale from now until the end of June and will be presented in the ‘J Smith Esquire Pop-up space’ in Harrods from 23rd April to 7th May.
This is a great oppertunity to visit and try on some exquisite hats!
A massive thank you to the wonderful team, without their help this would not be possible.
Photography – @carlsoghouse
Styling – @carol_okay
Gowns – @haus_qc
The welcome interloper – @ivananohelscarfs
Make-up – @xabiercelaya
Assistant make-up – @nargis_ali_uk
Model 1 – @gabriella_0517
Model 2 – @_jadadasilva


1 December 2022
‘Reverie’ Costume Design
‘Reverie’ is Justin’s breakout costume design project for a contemporary dance work, with the very talented Georgia Tegou and her outstanding team of creatives. Follow the link to read all about the project.



22 June 2022
âGetting realâ – Article in Womanâs Wear Daily
An article in WWD written by Sam Conti – see the full article here.





28 May 2022
Cult Shop – ‘How to spend it magazine’ Financial Times
âThe Hackney hat maker that canât be toppedâ – Thrilled to announce that J Smith Esquireâs atelier is the featured âCult Shopâ in todayâs Financial Times âHow to spend itâ magazine. The feature can also be seen online

22 May 2022
Platinum Launch
The brand new collection named âPlatinumâ, in honour of the Queenâs Jubilee. These twelve unique âoccasion wearâ hats are a timeless collection to be worn throughout the season. They will see you through Ascot, Henley, or any wedding – do take a look.
The hats are available to buy by appointment at the atelier. To book an appointment click here

14 February 2022
J Smith Esquire Ă Gladstn
A collaboration with luxury luggage brand Gladstn London. We created a unique alternative to the traditional hat box, a carry-on piece of luggage, large enough for your wide brimmed hat and small enough to take on your flight for a trip away, around town or a special occasion.
Follow the link to see more details and to purchase,


26 January 2022
‘The Gilded Age’ Launch
Justin worked closely with Kassia Walicka-Maimone to create bespoke hats for the lead character ‘Bertha Russell’ in the first series of ‘The Gilded Age’ by Julian Fellowes.



1 December 2021
‘The Great – Season 2’ Launch
Justin worked with costume designer Sharon Long to create bespoke pieces for Gillian Anderson, Elle Fanning & Nicholas Hoult for this second season of the award winning series.

5 November 2021
‘Amy: Beyond the Stage’ – Design Museum Commission
Justin was commissioned by the Design Museum in London to remake his ‘Amy’ design for this special exhibition ‘Amy: Beyond the Stage’ The original was made in 2009 and belongs to the Victoria & Albert Museum.

21 October 2021
Swatch Commission
A special commission art piece for International Talent Support (ITS) will be permanently displayed at the ITS Head Quarters in Trieste, Italy, as part of the new Arcademy, opening in 2022.
To see full details about the project click here, and to see the Web series click here.

7 September 2021
‘Everybodys Talking About Jamie’ Release
Justin collaborated with costume designer Guy Speranza to create a bespoke bowler hat for this original film. Justin used his classic rolled brim ‘Signature’ design to give the bowler hat a modern twist.

9 July 2021
âBuilding the Arkâ Web Series Doccumentary
Justin Smithâs workshop, his craftsmanship and his sources of inspiration, working on the Swatch Art Peace Hotel project based on the concept of HEART for International Talent Support.
To see more about the project click here, Watch the full series here.

8 July 2021
J Smith Esquire Ă Royal College of Art, T-Shirt
The RCA T-Shirt Shop raises funds to support students attending the Royal College of Art with t-shirts designed by students, alumni and friends of the RCA. To purchase the t-shirt designed especially for the RCA by Justin Smith click here.
âMy Nan was an expert embroiderer who won a place at the RCA during the war but sadly could not attend. I have taken her embroidery and made it into a silk scarf and when asked to design this t-shirt for the RCA project, what better way to pay homage to her than by using the pocket square within this printâ – Justin Smith

7 June 2021
Swatch Commission for ‘Building the Ark’ 2021
‘(HE)ART work for the ARK‘ project.
“Develop an object, an artwork, that represents the spirit of Swatch and its commitment to supporting young creative talents. The âobjectâ will remain in the Academy as a âfounding stoneâ of this new project and as a memento of Swatch & ITS relationship. It will be at the heart of the new adventure, an emotional and emotion-generating piece.”
See the first video instalment of the year-long process to create the artwork here

25 May 2021
‘Cruella’ Launch
Justin worked closely with costume designer Jenny Beavan to create six bespoke turbans for Emma Thompson for her character in this new rendition of Cruella.


27 August 2020
Editorial – NumĂŠro Ă Balenciaga Special
J Smith Esquire Black Collection Asymmetrical Top Hat has been photographed by Paul Scala for the Balenciaga X NumĂŠro Homme Netherlands special, styling by Karl Plewka. See the full story here.

4 February 2020
‘Dolittle’ Launch
Bespoke millinery by Justin for Robert Downey Jr.’s character Doolittle in this new rendition of a classic.
Jenny Beavan chose the asymmetrical top hat from the ‘Black’ collection as part of the design range that gave Robert his character.


18 October 2019
Maleficent Review featuring Justin Smith
“In increasingly ornate costuming by Ellen Mirojnick and milliner Justin Smith, they appear as singular entities more often than not. Jolieâs impeccable face is framed in one sequence by a collar made of gold-dipped crow skulls, with one dolloping her matching head piece”.

16 October 2019
‘Maleficent Mistress of Evil’ Launch
Justin Smith is milliner to Angelina Jolie once again to create the second edition of ‘Maleficent‘ for the film ‘Mistress of Evil’, the second film in the franchise.
See a behind the scenes video.


15 October 2019
‘DĂŠsidĂŠration’ Collaboration Exhibition, Paris
J Smith Esquire is delighted to have made a strictly limited collection of leather visors for DÊsidÊration at Galerie Les Filles du Calvaire in Paris from 26th October to 23rd November. This was a very special project by La Cellule Cosmiel, bringing together the artist SMITH, the writer Lucien Raphmaj and astrophysicist Jean-Philippe Uzan in collaboration with Le Studio Diplomates, composer Akira Rabelais and performer Nadège Piton.

10 September 2019
Interview â Benyon Estate
An interview with Justin about his new shop in the old millinery quarter of De Beauvoir, London.

6 March 2019
Editorial – ‘How to Spend it’, Financial Times
The Coburn Straw Topple from the Gold Collection is featured in the Financial Times ‘How To Spend It Magazine’, February 2019.

27 February 2019
‘Dolittle’ Launch
Millinery by Justin for Robert Downey Jr. in the movie ‘Dolittle’.
Justin worked closely with Jenny Beavan to create bespoke top hats in straw and a Black Collection asymmetrical felt top hat in brown and leather.

28 September 2018
‘Hats off to Hats’ Exhibition in Switzerland
Three iconic hats by J Smith Esquire including the Stained Glass Mask from the Illuminated collection, are featured in a forthcoming exhibition of hats from around the world, taking place at Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel, Switzerland, from October 20th. Further information about this wonderful exhibition can be found here.

1 January 2018
‘The Last Jedi’ Star Wars Launch
Justin created a large collection of millinery for ‘The Last Jedi’, the next ‘Star Wars‘ instalment, working closely with designer Michael Kaplan to fulfil his vision for the look of the movie.


13 November 2017
J Smith Esquire Feature in GQ
An interview with Justin Smith for “House Rules” feature in the December edition of GQ Magazine.

14 September 2017
New Flagship Shop Opening in London
J Smith Esquire is delighted to announce the opening of our brand new premises – an appointment-only shop in the heart of London’s De Beauvoir Town at 97 Southgate Road, London, N1 3JS.

17 August 2017
‘The Fundamentals of Fashion Design’ Book Launch
Pictures of Justin Smith backstage at the presentation of his first collection ‘Flight’ are featured in ‘The Fundamentals of Fashion Design’ by Richard Sorger and Jenny Udale.

9 June 2017
‘Gold’ Collection Private View
The private view for the launch of ‘Gold’ at the Herrick Gallery photos can be seen here.


8 June 2017
‘Gold’ – Installation at Herrick Gallery, Piccadilly London
Photos of the exhibition of the new ‘Gold’ collection at the Herrick Gallery, Piccadilly, London



7 June 2017
‘Gold’ 10 Year Anniversary Collection
Celebrating our tenth year with the launch of the ‘Gold Collection’ at a very special four-day exhibition of millinery and photography at Herrick Gallery, Piccadilly, London. Stunning couture showpieces, desirable bespoke millinery and beautiful photography by Jenny Hands.
Photograph by Jenny Hands, styling by Karl Plewka, clothing by Yohji Yamamoto.

31 May 2017
J Smith Esquire Ă YKK Private View
Justin worked closely with the zip brand YKK to make couture pieces using their iconic zips for an exhibition in the YKK flagship store in Shoreditch London. Photos from the private view of J Smith Esquire for YKK.


21 May 2017
J Smith Esquire Ă YKK
Six pieces created by J Smith Esquire using YKK gold zips are now on display at the wonderful YKK London Showroom. These are the first pieces to be seen from the new J Smith Esquire collection which launches on 31st May 2017. They showcase what can be done in millinery with YKKâs quality materials.
On show at YKK London Showroom until 26th June 2017. Our thanks to Kei, Anna and Sabine for their help and kindness. Photograph by Jenny Hands.

15 May 2017
‘Millinery Essentials Course’ at Pinewood Studios
Classic millinery techniques, foundations skills and an introduction to hat blocks in a workshop environment taught by Justin Smith at Pinewood Studios on behalf of Creative Media Skills.

19 July 2016
Justin Smith Wins Generali Future Award at ITS
Generali award to support creativity and innovation will be presented in Trieste on 16 July, at the final evening of ITS (International Talent Support) Trieste. British fashion designer Justin Smith has won the âGenerali Future Awardâ 2016, presented by the company to young and talented creatives with strong business sense. âBritainâs Justin Smith, 38, is a previous finalist of ITS, and embodies the very best project of the Generali award. Distinguished by his innovative and experimental visionâ.

1 December 2015
‘By the Sea’ Launch
Justin was commissioned to make hats for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s characters throughout the movie and are featured in the movie poster.

1 September 2015
‘Pan’ Launch
Justin was commissioned to make Kathy Burke’s nun’s cornette and other featured cornettes, along with Amanda Seyfried’s iconic rolled brim cloche.


14 August 2015
‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E’ Launch
Bespoke commissions for Alicia Vikander and Armie Hammer.

6 March 2015
J Smith Esquire Ă Aganovich
Asymmetric Fedoras for the A/W 2015 collection by Aganovich.

19 February 2015
J Smith Esquire in Italian Vogue
Fantastic shoot styled by Patti Wilson and photographed by Steven Klein.



29 September 2014
Amal’s Wedding Hat
Amal wears a cream wide brimmed sun hat made by J Smith Esquire for her wedding day.

19 August 2014
‘Black’ Private View
Photos of the ‘Black’ collection private view event hosted by Justin and Nikole Lowe.


18 August 2014
‘Black’ Collection Exhibition
The exhibition of the new ‘Black’Â installation at Good Times Tattoo.
Photo album of the exhibition can be seen here.

8 August 2014
‘Black’ Collection Invite
Announcing the private view of ‘Black’ by J Smith Esquire.

28 May 2014
‘Maleficent’ Headdress by J Smith Esquire
Justin worked very closely with Angelina Jolie for several months at Pinewood Studios to create this iconic look for the movie franchise by Disney.

18 May 2014
Justin featured in Sunday Times Style
“How did he do that? Hats off to the Maleficent milliner Justin Smith.”

3 March 2014
J Smith Esquire Ă Aganovich
An asymmetrical top hat, one of J Smith Esquire’s signature shapes for the A/W 2014 collection by Aganovich.

2 October 2013
‘Destination’ S/S Collection Launch
The notion that every hat makes its own individual journey has inspired the new S/S 2014 collection by J Smith Esquire.
‘Destination’ is a celebration of travel and the excitement of exploring the four corners of the globe, a homage to every journey made by each hat during its time on the planet, whether long or short, with or without its wearer.
‘Destination’ is a strictly limited edition collection. Each piece bears a unique number embroidered inside the hat, and the fabric from which each is made depicts a different part of the world.

15 April 2013
‘Signature’ A/W Collection Launch
Hand-made, hand-finished, double-blocked, luxury felt and leather signature hats by J Smith Esquire for A/W 2013. Each is finished with a nappa leather and gold trim, and a limited edition Liberty print lining.

14 March 2013
J Smith Esquire Ă Stella McCartney
A unique baseball cap in wool felt for Stella McCartney A/W 2013. Justin collaborated with Stella’s team to make 26 couture pieces for the show.

27 September 2012
J Smith Esquire Ă (Es)* Artisanal Milan
A collection of eight couture silk draped turbans, hand-made by Justin for ‘Once Upon My Time: an Installation’ of the S/S 2013 collection by (es)* Artisanal.
The installation included a couture centrepiece in draped, vintage silk, encrusted with Swarovski crystals. This is the first time that a collaboration between Justin Smith and Fabrizio Talia has been shown in Milan.
Full album of photos here.


27 June 2012
BT Artbox Project
J Smith Esquire’s contribution to the BT ArtBox project can be seen in Park Lane in central London. Justin collaborated with Darren Smith, his brother, to make a Lego bowler hat for the replica phone box. BT Artbox was a charity event taking place all over London for the summer of 2012.

16 June 2012
‘Jubilee’ Collection Launch
A collection of sixteen one-off couture pieces. Each has been hand-made by Justin as his way to celebrate the jubilee.

2 March 2012
J Smith Esquire Ă Cunnington & Sanderson
Justin collaborated with Cunnington & Sanderson to show some of the ‘Invincible collection’ on the catwalk at London Fashion Week.

21 February 2012
J Smith Esquire Ă Emilio de la Morena
Emilio de la Morena A/W 2012 ready-to-wear collection. Little Bow Hairbands by J Smith Esquire.

17 February 2012
‘Invincible’ A/W Collection Launch
The new J Smith Esquire collection for A/W 2012 is called ‘Invincible’. The inspiration draws on familiar shapes and ideas from characters of old-fashioned comic book movies and features one-off couture pieces and luxury ready-to-wear.

1 February 2012
J Smith Esquire Ă (Es)* Artisanal Rome
“At Land” by (es)* Artisanal. An installation by Fabrizio Talia & Justin Smith took place at the Galleria d’Arte Moderna in Rome on January 29th 2012. Three couture pieces were created.

15 November 2011
‘Air Squared’ Show at Jakarta Fashion Week
Air Squared is a collection of 48 new looks for S/S 2012 inspired by Justin’s expeditions to Indonesia as the winner of the British Council ‘Young Entrepreneur Of The Year’ Award in 2010. This collection was first shown together with Oscar Lawalata during Jakarta fashion week 2011.
‘Air Squared’ follows on from the ‘Air’ collection first shown earlier this year in London and Paris.


29 September 2011
J Smith Esquire Ă Aganovich
J Smith Esquire is collaborating with Aganovich this season with a show on the first day of Paris Fashion week. 12 couture ‘Floating Berets’ were made for the show.

19 September 2011
‘5’ – A Retrospective Exhibition at the Guoman Hotel
Guoman Hotels presents – J Smith Esquire.
Italian vogue covered the event
“The event of the evening for me was the amazingly beautiful retrospective of Justin Smith Esqure at the lovely Guoman Hotel.” – Dianne Pernet
Click on the below photo for a full album of photos of the event:
16 September 2011
‘Air’ S/S Collection Launch
The new collection will preview at ‘Headonism’ during London Fashion Week on the 16th of September.
The couture collection will be presented as part of a special exhibition at The Royal Horseguards Hotel on 16th September. The exhibition is called ‘Guoman presents J Smith Esquire: 5’ and will launch five bespoke doormen hats, specially created for the London hotels in the Guoman Hotels group. Alongside the doormen’s hat collection, are the Parrot Headdresses and a compendium of showpieces and collaborations from the last five years of J Smith Esquire millinery. The exhibition continues for four weeks.

20 August 2011
Justin’s Trip to Indonesia for the British Council ‘YFE’ Award
The visit to Indonesia for the British Council ‘Young Fashion Entrepreneur Award’ has gone well and Justin has started his research into specialist Indonesian straw weaving techniques.

30 June 2011
J Smith Esquire Ă (ES)* Artisanal at Alta Roma
Justin presented a couture piece as part of a collaboration with Fabrizio Talia for (es)* Artisanal, Alta Roma, July 2011.


30 June 2011
J Smith Esquire at Limited/Unlimited, Alta Roma
J Smith Esquire presented a couture piece at ‘Limited/Unlimited’ Exhibition during Alta Roma, Rome’s couture fashion week. This was the first piece from Justin’s upcoming London Fashion Week presentation.


2 April 2011
J Smith Esquire Ă (Es)* Artisanal
Justin & Fabrizio have started a modern luxury brand named (ES)* Artisanal. It’s a collection of bespoke couture pieces, working directly with each client to make their wardrobe dreams come to life. All pieces are made by hand in Italy & London/UK.

24 February 2011
J Smith Esquire Ă Aganovich
Justin will be showing hats and accessories with Aganovich at a show at Palais de Tokyo during Paris Fashion Week on March 1st 2011.


24 February 2011
J Smith Esquire Ă RA Showroom
Justin will be exhibiting his ‘Pinstriped Armour’ showpiece during Paris Fashion week from the 4thâ7th March, at the RA showroom in the Marais in Paris.

24 February 2011
J Smith Esquire Ă Mother of Pearl
Justin has collaborated with Mother of Pearl on their collection for a second season.
26 September 2010
‘Illuminated’ S/S Collection Launch
The new Spring/Summer 2011 collection from J Smith Esquire is called ‘Illuminated’.
The showroom will take place from 1stâ3rd October during Paris Fashion Week: People’s Revolution, 14 rue Portefoin, 75003 Paris.

19 September 2010
Justin Named ‘Young Fashion Entrepeneur of the Year 2011’
Justin has won the British Council ‘Young Fashion Entrepreneur Of The Year Award 2011’ for his proposal to travel to Indonesia to study and work with local designers.
24 July 2010
J Smith Esquire Ă Italian Vogue’s Young Talents
Justin has been invited to exhibit during Milan Fashion Week at a three-day exhibition of Italian Vogue‘s young talented designers which will take place at Palazzo Morando, a museum in the city centre.
The opening will be on Wednesday, 22nd September in the evening. Franca Sozzani and Anna Wintour will host the opening.
8 June 2010
J Smith Esquire Ă Matthew Herbert
Justin’s hats will be worn by Matthew Herbert during his forthcoming live performances due to take place in June and July in the UK and Europe. Justin was commissioned to make 4 hats that were musical instruments and props as well as couture millinery.

5 March 2010
J Smith Esquire Ă Manish Arora
Justin collaborated with Manish Arora to make couture headpieces for the his catwalk show in Paris.


2 March 2010
J Smith Esquire Ă Moschino
Justin has colloborated with Moschino to create a number of hats for Spring 2010. They will premier in Milan on 26th September.


25 February 2010
Justin Named Finalist for ‘Young Fashion Entrepeneur of the Year Award’
Justin Smith has been shortlisted for the British Council ‘Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the year Award’ and will be travelling to Indonesia during the 2nd week of March to study and work with local designers.
20 February 2010
‘Shade’ A/W Collection Launch
‘Shade’ is a collection of classic millinery, referencing themes from sources such as Neil Gaimanâs novel ‘Neverwhere’ and Victorian/Edwardian theatre and street life, all reinvented with the J Smith Esquire signature, to create a new couture.
The collection will be installed at 72, Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1 on Saturday 20th February 2010. Following this private viewing, the new collection will transfer to Somerset House where it will be exhibited as part of London Fashion Week until 24th February 2010.

18 September 2009
‘Light’ S/S Collection Launch
Justin Smith’s collection for Spring/Summer 2010 is called ‘Light’. The collection premiers on Friday 18th September during London Fashion Week at Somerset House. The couture collection is shown as part of ‘Headonism’, a British Fashion Council initiative, celebrating the new wave of emerging London milliners.
18 September 2009
J Smith Esquire Ă Hobbs
Justin has designed made-to-order and ready-to-wear piece’s for Hobbs’ Autumn 2009 ‘Limited Edition’ collection. Beautifully cut, hand-crafted clothing, footwear and accessories made from the most luxurious fabrics and leathers. ‘The Limited Edition’ collection launches at the end of September 2009.
18 September 2009
J Smith Esquire Ă Aganovich
Justin has created one-off pieces for the Aganovich show which will be exhibited in a presentation at Paris Fashion Week on the 1st of October at Galerie Anne De Villepoix, 43 rue de Montmorency, 75003 Paris.
4 March 2009
‘Three’ Showcases at Paris Fashion Week
J Smith Esquire will be showcasing the A/W 09 collection ‘Three’ at the luxury boutique ‘Maria Luisa’ during Paris Fashion Week.
Selected pieces from the collection will be on display at the shop. Justin will be taking bookings to view the complete collection in-store for buyers who wish to view it. Maria Luisa staff will also be on-hand for enquiries and bookings.
20 February 2009
‘Exploring Contemporary Hats and Headwear’ Symposium at V&A
Justin will be taking part in a one-day symposium organised to accompany the V&Aâs major exhibition ‘Hats: An Anthology’ by Stephen Jones.
The day features milliners, curators, writers and academics discussing the language of contemporary hats and headwear. Talks explore both the design and making of hats and the socio-cultural context for how and when they are worn.
Exploring Contemporary Hats and Headwear
Friday 20 March 2009, 10.30-17.30
Seminar Room 3, Victoria & Albert Museum
ÂŁ45, ÂŁ5 students
www.vam.ac.uk/tickets
Tel: 020 7942 2211
19 February 2009
‘Three’ Collection Launch at London Fashion Week
Justin Smithâs new collection for A/W 2009 premiers as an installation at On|Off, The Royal Academy Of Arts on February 21st, 2009.
“‘Three’ is a safari through a strange new country. Journey through a menagerie of eccentric human characters and exotic animals, all wild and free in their natural habitat. A new collection made from unwashed denim with leather and sherpa trimmings, all designed to age and fade beautifully. Sculptural, un-washed luxuries from the wilderness.”
Justin Smith produced a film for his A/W 09 collection ‘Three’. The film was directed by Yuval Hen and edited by Tom Palliser. It was shown at London Fashion Week.

18 February 2009
Pet Shop Boys Wearing J Smith Esquire at the Brits Awards
Tonight at The Brits, the Pet Shop Boys were presented with the âOutstanding Contribution To Musicâ award. During their showcase performance, Neil Tennant wore an oversized bowler hat, one of Justin’s earliest designs.
18 February 2009
Fashion Week Collaborations
J Smith Esquire has a number of collaborations lined up for the coming months showing bespoke headwear with the following:  Aganovich and Justin are collaborating on headwear for their March presentation in London.  ‘Jaiden rVa James’ A/W 09 London Fashion Week collaboration. Reem, collaboration for headwear for Tokyo Fashion Week. Sarah Easom â Fashion Forward finalist S/S 09 hats.  Hobbs, one ready-to-wear hat in an edition of 50-100, and one handmade-to-order hat. Look out for the Hobbs collaboration in September!
17 February 2009
‘Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones’ at the V&A
‘Hats: An Anthology’ by Stephen Jones is a collaboration between the V&A and one of the worldâs foremost hat designers, Stephen Jones.
Justin has made a tattoo top hat, personally commissioned by Stephen Jones.
The exhibition in the Porter Gallery will display more than 300 hats chosen with the expert eye of a milliner. On display will be hats ranging from an Egyptian Anubis mask dating from 600BC to a 1950s Balenciaga hat and couture creations by Jones and his contemporaries. To show the universal appeal and delight of wearing hats, Jones has included a wide variety of styles including top hats, berets and a childâs plastic tiara.
Displayed in a magical, box-hedged, Baroque garden setting, ‘Hats An Anthology’ will be the V&Aâs first exhibition devoted to hats, with many pieces from its extensive hat collection on display for the first time.


1 October 2008
‘The Don’t Miss List’ Feature in Vogue
J Smith Esquire was featured in the Vogue exclusive ‘Don’t Miss List’.

24 September 2008
Interview Magazine: Stephen Jones Nominates Justin Smith
In the September issue of Interview magazine, the legendary hatter picks Justin as his one to watch… “It is very refreshing to see a different point of view in millinery at last,” says master British hatmaker Stephen Jones of nominee Justin Smith. “Justin’s hats have culture, and they are original.”
Jones is also been quoted in the September 08 issue of Grazia as saying: “Justin’s work is exciting because he makes hats which challenge the aesthetics set by myself or Philip Treacy.”
2 September 2008
‘Kaleidoscope’ Collection Show at LFW
Justin Smith’s third independent collection for S/S 2009 is called ‘Kaleidoscope’. The show takes place at the Royal Academy Of Arts on September 16th as part of London Fashion Week.
After receiving much press attention for his previous two shows, ‘Kaleidoscope’ takes Justin’s signature styles to the next level of artistry. The quicksilver milliner’s skill deceives the eye of the beholder and every hat in this collection showcases a different technique to amazing effect.
‘Kaleidoscope’ is a collection of fascinating, hand-made millinery pieces that can be worn singly or in clusters, coming together to make any number of ingenious combinations; from pop-up sun hats to origami headbands, fringes and finger waves, buttons and bows, dream-catchers and foil-blocked feathers, endlessly combinable, uncontrollably creative.
Watch the show here.
26 June 2008
Tattoo’d Top Hat Bought by the Museum at FIT, New York
J Smith Esquire’s tattooed top hat has been bought by the museum of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology for their permanent collection and is to be displayed in this Autumn’s ‘Gothic: Dark Glamour’ exhibition. Exploring the influence of Gothic culture on high fashion, this promises to be one of the largest and most exciting exhibitions in the Museum’s history. The exhibition will be on display from September 5th 2008 to February 21st 2009, and will include about 100 looks by designers such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano:
âWhile I was working on the exhibition, ‘Gothic: Dark Glamour,’ I happened to see a photograph of J Smith Esquireâs hat in ‘W Magazine’ â and I immediately knew that I had to have it, not only on loan for the exhibition but for the permanent collection of the Museum at FIT. As a specialized fashion museum, we acquire directional clothes and accessories â fashions that move fashion-forward.
This extraordinary hat obviously fell in this category. Drawing on historical prototypes of upper-class masculinity, the hat also carried an aggressive edge that alluded to punk sensibility. It also evoked the Victorian futurism of the steampunk subculture and, of course, the amazing ‘tattoo’ of the bat alluded to a wealth of body art. An extraordinary creation, it was the product of multiple craft specializations â fashion, jewellery, and art.â
â Valerie Steele, Director and Chief Curator â The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York

1 March 2008
‘Dance With Me’ A/W Show
Justin’s A/W 2008 “Dance With Me” collection will be shown at the Royal Academy of Art as part of London Fashion Week.

12 December 2007
Justin Smith to be Supported by New Generation Sponsorship by the British Fashion Council
Known for launching the careers of British fashionâs Royalty, the New Gen award is a scheme set up with the British Fashion Council to search for and financially support up-and-coming British-based fashion designers. Previous winners have included Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Julian MacDonald, Matthew Williamson, Clements Riberio, Antonio Berardi and Hussein Chalayan.
Justin has been selected to show at the New Gen stand at this years London Fashion Week.
14 August 2007
Justin is Winning Finalist at ‘International Talent Support’
‘International Talent Support’ is a fashion competition for young fashion designers, photographers and fresh graduates of fashion schools from all around the world.
From the 25 finalists, Justin won two awards. The i-D Styling Award gives Justin an eight-page spread in i-D Magazine with a budget to support the content, while the prize for the Maria Luisa Award is a window display in this prestigious Paris fashion store during Paris Fashion Week.
Watch the trailer featuring Justin here.
10 July 2007
Royal College of Art MA Graduation Fashion Show
Justin’s MA graduation collection was shown in late May at the Royal College of Art to great acclaim from the press, his peers and tutors. If you would like to experience the collection for yourself, please see a video of the catwalk performances below.
6 August 2006
Justin Awarded ‘Hat Designer of the Year’
At a gathering at London’s ‘Pure’ fashion fair today, Stephen Jones named Justin Smith the ‘Hat Designer of the Year’ for 2006.
Jones set the design brief and headed the jury for the annual competition organised by The Hat Magazine. Jones, who is celebrating 25 years in the fashion business, asked entrants to design six hats for ’25 years hence: the year 2031′. Justin designed a collection based on recycling.
Announcing the winner, Jones congratulated Justin for his “meticulous attention to detail” and his “luxurious styling”. He concluded that: “Justin had studied the brief and had really used his design talent to create … an excellent collection.”

10 June 2006
Justin Wins Feltmaker Award for Hat Design
Yesterday evening at the annual Ladies’ Banquet of the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers of London, Lady Howard presented Justin Smith with the ‘Feltmaker Award For Hat Design’ for 2006.
The prize is awarded annually for a commercially viable ladies’ hat design incorporating wool felt or fur felt. The competition is open to students, trainees and apprentices based in the UK.
2 October 2005
‘Flight’ Collection Shows in Chelsea Town Hall
The ‘Flight’ collection was shown as part of the graduation show from the Kensington & Chelsea HNC in Millinery. Justin undertook a one year course which won him a bursary at the Royal College of Art to study a Millinery Masters starting the following term.

