NASIR MAZHAR | FALL / WINTER 2011

When it comes to Nasir Mazhar, anything goes. Having caught the attention of the fashion industry back in 2009 with his avant-garde headgear, he has since managed to transcend the tag of ‘milliner of the moment’ to carve his own very individual niche. Season after season Mazhar continues to turn heads by reinventing the humble hat in an almost eye popping number of ways (and without a fascinator in sight).

Designing with men as well as the ladies in mind, his Fall / Winter ’11 collection is all about representing, translating and encapsulating the vibrancy and energy of London’s different cultures, street styles and ethnicities. Proving that milliners have a sense of humour and aren’t afraid to pull punches, Mazhar takes the strongest of these visual elements, shakes them up and lets them loose to the sound of Lil’ Kim.

Radiating attitude, this tongue in cheek collection showcases creations made out of everything from latex and plastic to faux fur and leather, all complemented by a street uniform of Nike shoes and sweats, washed out denim and underwear as outerwear.

Turning tradition on its head, tough red and black box peak caps rocks the same stage as a tangerine faux fur trapper hat and baby pink teddy bear ears. Wide brimmed hats resemble retro futuristic flying saucers while a hot pink veil flutters down seductively from a zebra print baseball cap. With a studded bucket as the crowning glory of this line up, these hats definitely refuse to conform to any preconceived limits on where headgear stops and insanity begins.

As experimental riots of colour and texture these theatrical creations are begging to be worn with a snarl and a good set of abs. No wonder Lady Gaga is such a fan.

It’s bad taste, but in the best possible way.

- Catherine McColl