The Garment District Alliance announced the latest in its ongoing series of public art exhibits, showcasing a collection of 28 hats, titled Hats: Humor and High Design, designed by the finalists of an international millinery competition as well as select members of the Milliners Guild.
Located in a street-level window at 215 West 38th Street, the free exhibit is accessible to the public through July 15. Hats: Humor and High Design is part of the Garment District Space for Public Art program, which showcases artists in unusual locations and over 16 years has produced more than 200 installations, exhibits and performances.
“We’re so proud to present these whimsical hats created by 21st century milliners, which signify the Garment District’s deep roots in the fashion industry and the imaginative spirit of our neighborhood,” said Barbara A. Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance. “We know all will enjoy the installation this summer and we encourage folks to snap a photo of their favorite hat!”
The fashionable display features 28 hats designed by finalists and members of the Milliners Guild who participated in the organization’s first international competition, “Bes-Ben: Humor and High Design,” inspired by American mid-century milliner and creator of Bes-Ben, Benjamin B. Green-Field.
Hats: Humor and High Design is the second exhibition by the Milliners Guild that has been displayed in the Garment District, following The Ultimate Hat-Maker’s Studio, a series of fall hats created in celebration of New York Textile Month that were showcased in 2019.
The Milliners Guild is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the public’s awareness of the skill set and products used in the headwear trade. The Milliners Guild’s membership includes small business owners, seasoned artisans, and emerging designers. The organization promotes handmade headwear by offering education and access to resources.
The Garment District is home to diverse business sectors from technology to hospitality and includes thousands of people working in the creative economy, including fine and performing artists, designers, architects, photographers and more than a hundred theaters, galleries, performance spaces and studios.
Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences enjoying Hats: Humor and High Design on social media by following and tagging @GarmentDistrictNYC on Instagram, @TheGarmentDistrictNYC on Facebook, and @GarmentDstrctNY on Twitter.
Take a look-back at the Garment District Alliance celebration of Textile Month in 2019 with the exhibition, ‘The Ultimate Hat-Maker’s Studio.