This exhibition reveals the process by which Philip Treacy’s extravagant and beautiful hats are imagined and made. It comprises a collection of preparatory drawings and solid wooden blocks of moulds, which are individually carved and are used as a base on which the fabric and other material of the hats are formed. These are been displayed alongside a spectacular video of his recent successful couture show in Paris. During the exhibition some of his newest creations will be modelled.

Treacy’s work is clearly part of the fashion world but his ‘unlikely’ sculptures also cross the boundary into visual art. This project is the first time that the sculptural qualities of these forms will be explored in Ireland. This project has been organised in association with fig. 1 in London, where it was presented in February 2000 during London Fashion Week.

Recently described in ‘The Irish Times’ as “the most famous milliner in the world” Philip Treacy was born in Co Galway, in 1967 and is now based in London. He has designed hats for haute couture houses such as Chanel, Givenchy and Versace, and now has premises in Elizabeth Street, Belgravia. An exhibition of his work was shown at the Palazzo Pitte, Florence, for the Biennale di Firenze in 1997.