One To Watch - Awon Golding

When I was at London Fashion Week earlier last month I got to meet some incredible designers at the British Fashion Council's (BFC) showrooms in Somerset House. This season specifically there was a huge selection of hats and head pieces. I think this stems from the fact that earlier this year, in February, the BFC set up their annual Headonism project and the focus was on headpieces. The result of such a renewed interest in headwear has meant that a selection of incredibly talented up-and-coming designers have all released really unique collections of hats and headpieces ready for SS15. One of these designers, who I was fortunate enough to meet, includes award winning London-based Milliner Awon Golding.

I remember seeing this at LFW this year and
yes; it is as incredible in real life.

What I love about her work is that each piece is, in its own right, really unique and stand-out. Yet, the collection still comes together to create something united and fluid. The fluidity comes from the inspiration for the collection; having spent an eclectic youth in India, Hong Kong and England, Golding drew inspiration for her collection from her Tangkhul Naga heritage. The collection combines bold colours, feather headpieces, intricate beading and the weaving of geometric patterns which are all inspired by the artifacts of the North-East Indian Naga tribes.

Before she became a designer Golding wrote for various Hong-Kong based publications as a fashion writer and editor. However she soon realised that she wanted to pursue something more creative and moved to London to accept an apprenticeship with Edwina Ibbotson, a renowned London milliner. It was around this time that she was awarded a Distinction in Millinery from the Kensington and Chelsea College. Following this she went on to design hats for the likes of high-street brands River Island and Topshop.

I'm a huge fan of geometric shapes and the only
hats I'll wear are floppy ones so this one is
a double whammy for me! 

When she eventually decided to set up her own label her creative flair and natural talent were recognised by The Honourable Feltmaker’s Guild and she was awarded first prize at their annual millinery competition in 2010. Furthermore, she was selected by Stephen Jones (renowned milliner) to feature in the BFC's exclusive Headonism project at Somerset House earlier this February.

A cheeky snap I took of the Headonism Project in Feb earlier
this year.

Now a well established designer Golding spends the majority of her time hand-crafting the pieces for her collection in her London studio. As well as releasing two seasonal collections per year, her hats are available to purchase at London's Liberty store and she also does private commissions for a wide range of customers.

For more information on the designer please contact Awon at info@awongolding.com, or go to: @AwonGolding or  www.facebook.com/awongoldingmillinery.

Thanks for reading my post and a big shout out to Awon for sending me the images of her amazing collection!

O x