Milan – No longer a mere accessory, but a creative language, a statement of identity, and a wearable work of art. This is the vision that shaped the third edition of The Queen’s Hat Exhibition, the international project conceived and curated by Gabriella Chiarappa, now confirmed as one of the most significant events dedicated to contemporary millinery.
For three days, the spaces of Residenza Vignale were transformed into an international stage, welcoming award-winning hat designers from across the globe. A dialogue between cultures, aesthetics, and traditions that restored the hat to its most authentic value: not a detail, but an expression of character, research, and vision.
At the heart of the exhibition were the designers themselves, the true protagonists of an evolving creative scene. Their creations built a collective narrative capable of crossing languages and sensibilities, blending craftsmanship, innovation, and contemporary experimentation. Alongside the works of Ilariusss and the historic millinery house Gallia e Peter, creations by Haidee Neill, Lady Raya, Ranelle Larocque, Raquel Brant, Irina Vassilyeva, Elena Khovanskaya, and Natalia Borisova shaped an international storytelling of millinery.
A journey that redefined the hat in its highest role: a cultural and artistic object capable of engaging with contemporary fashion and redefining styling. Particularly emblematic was the exhibition of the dress with hat and veil worn by Patty Pravo on the red carpet of the Sanremo Festival 2026, designed by Simone Folco, symbolizing the renewed centrality of the hat within the fashion imagination.
The opening day initiated a clear and necessary dialogue on the value of millinery today, with a roundtable featuring Laura Marelli, Ilaria Soncini, Pablo Ardizzone, alongside the founder. A moment of reflection that highlighted how the hat is experiencing a new era, suspended between artisanal tradition and contemporary vision.
Institutional recognition also played a significant role, with the presence of Senator Mariastella Gelmini, MP Alessandro Colucci, Regional Councillor Maira Cacucci, and Dr. Eleonora Cozzi representing the Municipality of Milan—further confirming the project’s credibility and cultural value.
The exhibition path was enriched by workshops, networking moments, and experiential formats such as Scatti in Cornice, alongside sessions dedicated to the art of wearing hats.
The exhibition design was curated by Italian designer Simona Cardinetti, who transformed the spaces into narrative environments, enhancing the dialogue between the creations and the furnishings by Plinio il Giovane.
The Seven Jewels Collection by Maison Lumiéra added a sensory dimension, guiding visitors through a refined olfactory journey.
The winners were selected by a technical jury composed of industry experts, alongside fashion journalist and critic Daniela Fedi.
Awards – III Edition
• THE QUEEN’S HAT Award: Raquel Brant (Brazil)
• Hat in Motion Award: Irina Vassilyeva – Elena Khovanskaya (Kazakhstan)
• Innovation Award: Ranelle Larocque (Canada)
Now in its third edition, The Queen’s Hat Exhibition confirms itself as an international platform capable of creating connections, opportunities, and dialogue between cultures—enhancing contemporary millinery not only as an aesthetic expression, but as a cultural vision and an evolving system.
A project that does not simply exhibit.
But creates value.