Black Black lack is as much a homage to fashion and the passing of time, as it is a nod to film noir, and the styles of Bearly Hollywood classics. ‘Timeless’ and ‘Desirable’ are the themes that run through the collection, with a focus firmly on meeting the needs and tastes of J Smith Esquire’s discerning clientele, who expect hand-finished bespoke quality, with a couture aesthetic and an artisanal attention to detail. The designs range from the classic pop- up opera top hat in leather to the frivolous hand-pleated Tulle beret; the signature rolled-brim trilby returns in its latest incarnation and there are some gorgeous knitwear pieces in this collection. There are artistic collaborations resulting in some very special one-off pieces. The bespoke lining that’s been up Justin’s sleeve for a while, brings a touch of magic! Each piece is special and timeless… they are designed to be worn again and again; designed to age beautifully and retain their style, elegance and grace, like a Hollywood star of yesteryear. “Justin Smith is an amazing artist”
Angelina Jolie
“Justin’s juxtaposition of beauty and brutality is particularly striking and really helps to set his work apart. There is a darkness at play here, with unexpectedly sinister detailing adding a sense of disquiet to what are otherwise beautiful works of art”
Damian Fox Style Editor, ‘How to spend it’ Magazine
“Justin’s creations are complete. They are outfits. They dress you from ‘head to toe’. It’s the hat that tells you what you should wear underneath, not vice versa”
Susanna Cucco Curator of Alta Roma
“I have never encountered a milliner like Justin. Talents like him are rare and unique, his creativity seems boundless and pours in his head pieces apparently without filters, from idea to final product”
Barbera Franchin Director & Project Supervisor, ITS (International Talent Support)
“It is very refreshing to see a different point of view in millinery at last, Justin’s hats have culture, and they are original”
Stephen Jones OBE Milliner
“Justin has a unique way of looking at hats”
Sara Maino Senior Fashion Editor, Vogue Italia Tulle Puff Scarf Asymmetrical Top Hat Wide Brim Fedora Bow Nappa Roll Brim Trilby Full Rib Crombie Square Cap Short Pixie Crombie Winter Flat Cap Leather Sou’wester Waxed Boater Tulle Beret
Wings Parchment Cap Pull-On Cloche Mr Black Bleached, Burned & Waxed Fedora Fringe Fringe Feather Top Knot Stealth Bow Sir Black Nappa Mni Beret Fur Mini Beret Crystal Boater Nappa Puffy Driving Cap
Bleached & Waxed Fedora Chuncky Crombie Winter Cap Jersey Boater Long Pixie Silk Pixie Crombie Tracker Cap Pinched Brim Trilby Puffy Rib Beanie Worn Fur Fedora Shrouded Top Hat Silk Jersey Turban
Stealth Orchid Stingray Cap Crombie Flat Cap Nappa Wide Brim Fedora Waxed Puffy Cap Parchment Top Hat Nappa Opera Top Hat
Gotham City Tiara Third Eye Fringe Straw Rolled Brim Trilby Cat Fringe Crombie Asymmetrical Trilby Suede Sou’wester All hats © J Smith Esquire Ltd.
Photos: Camille Sanson, Disciple
Art Direction: Justin Smith & Camille Sanson
With thanks to: Peter Chatalos, Hannu Viitala, Parker, Camille Sanson, Kengkeng, Q, Oscar Henriquez, Nikole Lowe, Jane Plüer, Lauren Martin, Emily Trendell
www.jsmithesquire.com