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