Piers Atkinson catwalk show in 2009

If you’ve a lovely wedding or some tickets to Ascot (good for you!) then you should have already started thinking about hats, but we say, even if you have no such plan – you can still treat yourself anyway. Just regardez, if you please, SJP or Gaga. Do they let a lack of nuptial celebrations or the fact there isn’t a galloping horse for miles around come between them and their love of a perfectly overblown headpiece? No, they do not.

Phillip Treacy with his muse, the late Isabella Blow

Well, maybe there is something in the air, because we can’t help noticing that the best dressed heads are already attired in bits and pieces from the hottest hatters. And the absolute kings of modern millinery, Stephen Jones and Phillip Treacy, have both got projects on the go this season and there are even more we’re dying to introduce to you...

Mr Treacy has re-created some of his most iconic masterpieces for an exhibition which opened last week at the Museum of London.  Among his most memorable works are the ‘Galleon’ hat, a favourite of the late Isabella Blow, and which was actually used to adorn her coffin, and these amazing butterflies, as modelled by our glamorous competition winner, Charlotte Lo, alongside her idol (whose head is also dressed by Treacy) at the SATC2 premiere last week [above]. Not to mention numerous lacy confections for the likes of Gaga and the inimitable Grace Jones.

Erin O'Connor with milliner Stephen Jones at the V&A Museum

On the shopping front, Harrods are giving their hat department extra care and attention this summer, with a designated Ascot boutique, or as they are calling it; “a two day millinery spectacular” where millinery masters Suzanne Bettley, Rachel Trevor-Morgan and Nerida Fraiman will share their styling advice (on Friday 11th June, 2-4pm), and Philip Treacy and Stephen Jones will be on hand to offer advice and exclusive styles (on Saturday 12th June, 2-4pm).

A Nerida Fraiman creation , available from Harods

Meanwhile, stalwart of many a LFW show, and key designer in the Headonism millinery collective, Piers Atkinson is stocked now in Fenwicks. Its a capsule collection, different from his main collection.

Piers Atkinson capsule collection at Fenwicks department store

Hurrah! He’s know for his spectacular creations, which are available at Dover Street Market, and Machine-A in Soho.

 cherry hat by Piers Atkinson, modelled by Paloma Faith

- Naomi Attwood