Wow Hats at WOW!house 2023

Karen was delighted to take part in the British Hat Guild’s latest exciting collaboration. Now an annual event, WOW!house is a unique 500 sq m showhouse, built within the Design Avenue at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Its 18 full-size rooms are created with world-class interior designers, working in collaboration with globally recognised design brands and incredible suppliers. 

This year, alongside the showhouse, The Design Centre generously hosted an installation of 18 spectacular hats created by British Hat Guild members. Each milliner was paired with a room within WOW!house, and created their hat in response to the room design. 

Find out more about the entire collection of hats from The British Hat Guild, or read on to find out more about the two hats that Karen created, for two different rooms.

Dining Room by Martin Hulbert & Jay Grierson, Martin Hulbert Design

‘Friday Lunch’

Inspired by MHD’s proposal for the dining room, this is a casual and lightweight flat cap design, perfect for relaxing with friends on a Friday afternoon. Like Martin and Jay, I have reflected on some of my favourite designs, taking elements from each and amalgamating them to create a new shape. In the signature curving seams I can see perhaps lots of plates stacked up, having been emptied of their tasty contents!

Summit Furniture Terrace by Studio Winch

‘Cocktail Hour’

Fun and fabulous meets stylish and elegant! I loved the Slim Aarons 1950s/60s photography referenced by Studio Winch, and the playful exuberance of their colourful drawings. But I also love the clean, minimal lines of Summit’s furniture, which I wanted to reflect by using one of my signature sculptural cap shapes. I was intrigued to find the balance between playful and sophisticated. Above all, this piece will be perfect for a drinks party on this most fun and elegant terrace!