Words Gina Knight Pictured Pinky Love and Shingai Shoniwa model two of Shoniwa's creations
Who better to add an injection of cool to millinery than Noisettes frontwoman Shingai Shoniwa, whose collaboration with milliner Katherine Elizabeth launched in London last month.
A self-confessed hat lover, Shoniwa has a flare for making a statement hat work in every situation, be it Glastonbury or on the red carpet. Designing her own was the obvious next step.
Elizabeth initially made three hats based on Shoniwa’s designs but the reaction was so positive that leading UK online fashion store ASOS suggested the duo do a whole collection.
“We started designing in June,” says Shoniwa. “I would go to her [Elizabeth’s] studio and tell her what was inspiring me. In fact, funnily enough, a lot of it was inspired by music. I would send some lyrics, as we where recording at that time, and ask her ‘what does that inspire?’”
The collaboration was also informed by Shoniwa’s own elaborate hair styles: “I like to do my hair in shapes ... sort of hat-like. Katherine was inspired by making hats that kind of look like hairstyles.”
With vintage-style, hand-beaded pillbox hats and beautifully sculptural fascinators, Shoniwa’s capsule collection is more wearable than her usual extravagant style.
So is this the return of the hat? Shoniwa doesn’t think it ever went away: “There is something about when someone walks into a room with a hat on that just lights up the room immediately, it puts you in a certain mood and brings out a sassiness, it brings out a hatitude if you will.”
Next year, Shoniwa is planning on designing a men’s collection. Guys, you better watch out.
Shoniwa’s 12-piece collection, starting from £70, is available from Katherine Elizabeth London now and soon on ASOS