Hat 'Pirelli Calendar 1985' made of nylon filament, designed by Graham Smith, made in Great Britain, 1985

Hat made of black nylon filament, spiral and fan shape.

Given by Mrs Wenda Parkinson

Registered File number 1985/1213. This hat was specially commissioned for the Pirelli calendar 1985 and was photographed by Norman Parkinson. It was featured on the front cover. The model was Iman.
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Gallery label text for Fashion Tracks exhibition:

FASHION TRACKS

Designer Clothes for the 1985 Pirelli Calendar
In 1983 Martyn Walsh the Art Director and Designer of the Pirelli Calendar suggested to Pirelli UK Ltd that they revive the famous Pirelli Calendar and as an innovation incorporate a fashion show using the P6 tyre tread as the decorative theme. Fourteen leading British Designers were invited to make clothes and accessories using the tyre tread design. These commissions represented a significant break-away from the traditional Pirelli Calendars and resulted in an unusual and stylistically powerful collection. The dramatic photographs were taken by Norman Parkinson. At the Calendar launch the collection was auctioned for charity and later the owners generously gave these unique works to the V&A.
The Mannequins and display are by the Creative Team of Adel Rootstein Hopkins Ltd.
The display will be in the Dress Collection from 5th November 1986 to Autumn 1987. It is divided into two parts, one on either side of the Dress Collection at the entrances from Rooms 21 and 47 respectively.

Attribution note: Specially commissioned for the Pirelli calendar 1985

Graham Smith trained at Bromley College of Art and the Royal College of Art, from which he graduated in 1958. After working for Lanvin-Castillo and the milliner Michael, he opened his own workshop in 1967. This hat was specially commissioned for the 1985 Pirelli calendar, with photography by Norman Parkinson. The theme was the distinctive Pirelli tyre tread: Graham Smith applied this heavy motif to his light, spiral fan design to great effect.

T.479-1985