Philip Treacy

For the very first time, Philip Treacy by Kevin Davies, provides a unique, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the world's most famous and influential milliners. Philip Treacy has allowed a single photographer, his friend Kevin Davies, personal access to his life, studio and working method for the past 20 years. The result is a wonderful exploration into the world of a true craftsman, designer to the stars and creative magician.

Born in the west of Ireland and an MA student in Fashion Design at the Royal College of Arts in London, Treacy graduated in 1990 and was discovered by the then Style Editor of Tatler Isabella Blow. He soon became, and has remained, the milliner of choice for many of the top fashion designers including Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino and Chanel, but is also the first milliner invited to have his own show during Paris couture week. The recipient of numerous international fashion awards, Treacy is credited with changing the perception of hat and accessories in fashion.

Treacy's unique creations are hand-made to order for the like of Grace Jones, Victoria Beckham, Madonna, The Duchess of Cambridge and the daughters of Prince Andrew. Hat maker to royalty and the stars, Treacy designed over 30 hats for the 2011 wedding between Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge. He has designed hats for films, including the enormously successful Harry Potter franchise and has also developed ranges for high street fashion outlets.

Treacy is averse to having outsiders watch him while he works. However, there is one photographer who is allowed in his studio to hunt for shots. Capturing beautiful, poignant and intriguing images of Treacy on his own, with his muses, or fitting his one-off creations, Kevin Davies has had intimate access to the famous designer. He has explored his outlandish workshops, like greenhouses of tropical plants that metamorphose into devilishly complex craftsmanship and the most amazing final creations. Philip Treacy by Kevin Davies presents a rare insight into a monumental career.

Illustrated with around 200 photographs, including a section of still life photography devoted entirely to the most iconic works by Treacy, this book is an unequalled record of the designer's life. The photographs are accompanied by anecdotes and insights by both Treacy and Davies, offering personal appreciation of events, designs and directions from the past two decades. The book reveals the extraordinary world and creative genius of a highly influential figure.

Kevin Davies is primarily a portrait photographer and has photographed subjects as diverse as Tom Jones, Shane McGowan, Bridgette Fonda, Martin Sheen, members of the Royal Family and bands such as U2 and Public Enemy. He has worked for NME, The Face, I-D & Arena.

Identified by the late Isabella Blow, Style Editor of Tatler, Philip Treacy has designed hats for Alexander McQueen's white Haute Couture collection at Givenchy in Paris and for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel as well as Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karen. He was awarded the title of British Acessory Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards five times. Thirty-six of Treacy's hats were worn at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, including the hat worn by Princess Beatrice of York.