Tags
1980s, 30th anniversary, Bernstock Speirs, Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980s, creative headwear, hats, Victoria and Albert Museum
They have been happily united in a design marriage since 1983 –
(image from timeout.com):
and this year Paul Bernstock and Thelma Speirs
celebrate 30 years since the launch of their
eponymous hat-wear label
Bernstock Speirs.
…
On Friday, 6 September 2013, I attended the first session of the
autumn discussion series at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The evening was in tribute to the 30 year creative partnership of
Bernstock Speirs
and an examination of their work
within the context of the Museum’s current exhibition
Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980’s
…
The design duo discussed the length and breadth
of their fruitful collaboration
from inception to the present day.
…
Initially meeting at Middlesex Polytechnic and later
starting a millinery design business with little knowledge of either-
(millinery arts or running a business …)
the duo set up shop so that, as Thelma put it,
“… we wouldn’t have to get a proper job.”
And so their light-hearted, quirky, humorous, innovative energies
were set in motion and have spanned
a successful 30 year union, which continues to flourish.
…
Paul and Thelma were active participants in London’s
inventive fashion culture borne from the 80s club scene.
They were an integral part of London’s then
budding design/fashion presence.
Caryn Franklin, fashion editor, writer and stylist
(who also started her fashion career in the 80s )
expertly moderated the discussion, adding to the over-all
feeling of shared experience and knowledge of the era
from which the Bernstock Speirs trademark emerged.
…
(image from tumblr.com):
~Back in the Day: Caryn Franklin modelling a Bernstock Speirs~
The Bernstock Speirs hat is an utilitarian piece,
made for everyday wear
made from expected materials
incorporating the unexpected
in a playful twist.
…
(image from districtmtv.co.uk):
~The open brimmed hat, BS first big hat hit, made for Kylie Minogue~
…
They have designed for celebrities and partnered with other creatives,
all while they “… just do what we like.” (Thelma) and
“… enjoy things together.” (Paul)
Sounds like a perfect combination for success/longevity
in career and life pursuits.
…
Congratulations Bernstock Speirs
on 30 years of fun, fanciful
and wearable design.
…
From Bernstock Speirs:
(image from stylecartel.com):
~Glitter Cap~
…
(images from weebirdy.com):
~Straw Visors~
…
(image from travelcnn.com):
~Visor Brigade~
…
(image from the labelfinder.com):
~Knit Beanie with a Bow on Top~
…
(image from graziadaily.co.uk):
~Knit Beanie with Bow and Veil~
…
(image from liberty.co.uk):
~Knit Beanie with Pom Pom and Veil~
…
(image from bernstockspeirs.com):
~Knit Caps~
…
(images from jacolette.fr):
~Plaids in all Shapes~
…
(image from tumblr.com)
~The Bunny Hat~
…
~The Act Sexy Cap and The Porkpie Hat~ Bernstock Speirs, s/s 1990
are featured in the exhibition Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980s
Victoria and Albert Museum, London
10 July 2013 – 16 February 2014