Stephen Jones
6/3/20261 hr 12 min
Stephen Jones OBE is a British milliner and designer, highly regarded as one of the most radical of the 20th and 21st centuries. Jones studied at St Martins, spending his evenings at the Blitz club, immersed in London’s fashion and punk scene in the 1970s. In 1980, Stephen opened his first millinery salon in the heart of London. This shop was visited by rock stars and royalty, from Diana Ross to Diana, Princess of Wales. Over four decades later, Jones’s era-defining designs continue to attract a celebrity clientele which includes Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Mick Jagger, and British Royalty. Since the early 80s Stephen Jones has collaborated with designers from Vivienne Westwood and Claude Montana through to his current work with Thom Browne, Christian Dior, and Matières Fecales. Jones’ hats have been an integral component in some of the most memorable runway events of the past four decades, including his work on John Galliano’s spectacular Maison Margiela Haute Couture SS24 show presented under the Pont Alexander III. Jones was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2010 New Year Honours, and received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the British Fashion Council in 2008. In December 2024, he was named British Accessories Designer of the Year at the Fashion Awards. In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Stephen Jones discuss being a 1970s punk, fashion breakdowns, and communicating through a hat. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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First 90 secondsBella Freud· Host0:00
[gentle music] [doorbell ringing] Hi, come in. Welcome to Fashion Neurosis, Stephen Jones.
Stephen Jones· Guest0:18
Hello, Bella, my darling. How are you?
Bella Freud· Host0:20
I'm very happy to see you here, and our long friendship being cemented by me in the chair and you on the couch. Can you tell me what you're wearing today and why you chose these particular clothes?
Stephen Jones· Guest0:38
[laughs] It's quite a long story. I ... Well, first of all, I thought, "Well, what unites us?" 'Cause fashion's really about communication.
Bella Freud· Host0:50
Mm.
Stephen Jones· Guest0:50
And I thought, "Well, Vivienne unites us."
Bella Freud· Host0:55
Mm.
Stephen Jones· Guest0:55
And I thought, "Well, if I'm going to be lying flat on my back and I'm wearing a hat, I have to have something which is a little bit soft. Can't have something with a brim." So I thought, "Well, maybe the Vivienne tweed crown or the Vivienne crown could be suitable." So that's what I'm wearing today. And, um, it's a, not the tweed version, but one which is made from woolens and lamé and different fabrics. And then I'm wearing an MA-1 jacket, which was given to me