The latest must-have accessory is without doubt the humble, yet rather fabulous hat. Scattered across the spring/summer catwalks, models were seen sporting boaters, bonnets, headscarfs and hairbands and if the recent autumn/winter 09 shows have been anything to go by, the trend is set to remain at the forefront of fashion for the next few seasons at least.

So what better way to mark it than with a celebration of the world’s best milliners from past and present, and who better to host it than one of the most prolific milliners on the planet - Stephen Jones?

Crafty business
Paying homage to hat-makers from across the globe and throughout the centuries, a visit to Hats: An Anthology, is a fashionista’s duty. Divided into four sections – Inspiration, Creation, The Salon and The Client, the exhibition, running until the end of May, walks you through every stage of the hat-making process.

But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill retrospective - the creation area has been designed to look like a milliner’s workshop with 360 degree viewing angles, you can watch Stephen Jones on TV talking about his wild and wonderful designs, and for the hands-on there’s even a dressing-up area; yet the real money-shot still comes from what’s behind the glass cabinets.

Housing creations made from wool, straw, plastic, paper, silk, felt, fur and feathers, there’s a hat here to suit every style and disposition - think turbans and sombreros, tricornes and bicornes, top hats and tiaras, and you’re on the right lines.

As well as these ingenious creations from him and his pals, Jones’ hasn’t been shy when it comes to showing off his haute couture hats either. Then again why should he? With these hats, you don’t need clothes. From Givenchy to Galliano, Westwood to Prada, Rykiel to Balenciaga, hat-followers and label-lovers will be transported to seventh heaven as they pick out key pieces from the shows.

A-list following
Even if you’re not a fashion follower you won’t fail to be impressed, especially if you consider yourself a film fanatic or celebrity spotter. Showcasing Hollywood headwear too, you’ll find the Penny Rose leather hat worn by Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean, the Darth Vadar helmet from Star Wars, bonnets from My Fair Lady, the fascinator worn by Sarah Jessica Parker at the Sex and the City UK premiere, alongside one of the Queen Mother’s favourite headpieces.

When all is said and done, it really is hats off to Stephen Jones.

Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones is exhibiting at the Victoria and Albert Museum until 31^st May. Tickets cost £5 each. For more information visit www.vam.ac.uk