Piers Atkinson, the British milliner who has adorned figures like Anna Dello Russo and Princess Beatrice with his whimsical hats, currently has love on his mind. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Atkinson has collaborated with the English jewelry house David Morris to create a diamond, ruby, Discount Nike Air Max shoes, and sapphire Cupid’s arrow hat pin, along with a heart-shaped pendant for the occasion. Erinn Morris, the creative director of the jewelry house, who crafted these luxurious trinkets, told Style.com, “I hope women wear these pieces on a daily basis. They’re not so fanciful that they can’t be worn from day to night.” Morris noted that this is one of many collaborations the house has planned in celebration of its 50th anniversary this year. The one-of-a-kind pin and pendant (each priced at £17,000) are inspired by Atkinson’s upcoming Fall collection titled "Oh My!" (as in Dorothy's chant about lions, tigers, and bears). The milliner's new hats (including veiled styles and bow-topped berets), made from ponyhair Ralph Lauren polo down jacket, suede, velvet, and Mongolian lamb, draw inspiration from themes of love and wild beasts.
"I bought this in the sky blue color and must have received at least half a dozen compliments on the color on the first day I wore it to work. It runs a tad large, but I’m okay with that for a shirt of this style. Overall, a really nice, high-quality shirt from Woolrich & STP. I was so impressed I bought two more in other colors."
“I get so focused on my collections that some of the themes seem to come true. This season, I thought, ‘I know what I’m missing. A bit of love in my life!’ ” he joked. Additionally, this marks the first season Atkinson has produced a range of men’s hats. Atkinson’s Fall collection will debut on February 17 at the British Fashion Council’s Royal Ascot-sponsored Headonism exhibition, curated by Stephen Jones, which showcases London’s hottest new millinery talents. His collaborative gems, however, will be unveiled at David Morris on Bond Street during their Valentine’s Day fête on February 14. Atkinson mused, “There’s a lot of lonely hearts in big cities like London.”