In the world of fashion, a hat can be more than just an accessory; it can be a statement, a symbol of style and personality. Awon Golding, a name synonymous with vibrant and innovative millinery, has carved her niche in the global fashion industry with her exquisite creations that adorn the heads of celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike.
“Thank you for the killer hat, Awon Golding. Nothing like a great hat to top off the day. I feel like Isabella Blow.” – Lady Gaga
‘Awon‘ in Tangkhul Naga dialect means ‘flower,’ and here’s our own Tangkhul Naga sister, Awon Keishing Golding, a Royal Ascot milliner and top hat designer in London. She is also the granddaughter of Lt. Rishang Keishing (the first Naga MP in 1952 and former four-time Chief Minister of Manipur).
The journey of Awon Golding is one steeped in cultural richness and creative passion. Born to Lungshimla Keishing, the first Naga air hostess (British Airways), and Malcolm Golding, a British national, Awon grew up surrounded by diverse influences, from her English-Indian heritage to her Hong Kong upbringing. This multicultural background serves as a wellspring of inspiration for her designs, blending traditional elements with contemporary flair.
The special privilege of attending Woodstock Boarding School in Uttarakhand as a child for a couple of years exposed the internationally renowned designer Awon to Indian culture during the formative period of her life.
Her foray into the world of hats began with a transition from a career in fashion writing and editing in Hong Kong to pursuing her passion for millinery in London. Through apprenticeships with established milliners and earning a Distinction in Millinery from Kensington and Chelsea College, Awon honed her craft and embarked on a journey that would lead her to prominence in the industry.
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As the Head Millinery Designer at Lock & Co, the world’s oldest hat shop with a legacy that attracted luminaries like Charlie Chaplin and Sir Winston Churchill, Awon showcased her creativity and expertise on prestigious platforms like Headonism at London Fashion Week featured for two seasons. In 2018, she captivated audiences as the Millinery expert on BBC 2’s prime-time show, Handmade in Britain. Her designs, characterized by vibrancy and innovation, have graced the heads of notable figures such as Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and Lady Gaga, to name a few.
Beyond her success in the fashion world, Awon’s passion extends to animal welfare, as seen in her establishment of the Haute Dogs Calendar in 2018, a charity project combining her love for hats with advocacy for dog rescues. This annual charity project combines her love for hats with her advocacy for dog rescues, raising over 100,000 pounds sterling since its inception. This initiative reflects her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the realm of fashion, raising significant funds for a cause close to her heart.
In essence, Awon Golding’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, cultural fusion, and social responsibility. Through her captivating hats and philanthropic endeavors, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the global fashion landscape, crafting dreams one hat at a time.
Check out Awon Golding’s website | www.awongolding.com
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