A combination of Dita von Teese, Isabella Blow tributes and a global recession that's left people looking back to days gone by have helped reintroduce a touch of class known as the hat. And thank goodness, because it gives people all the more reason to talk about great creative minds like Justin Smith.

Justin's bespoke millinery line, J Smith Esquire, fuses tried-and-tested detailing with modern shapes, and I would love to see the piece pictured below out on the streets. Stephen Jones is a fan of the range, and that iD styling award pretty much speaks for itself.

What's most surprising? Justin only finished his millinery course in 2005. I guess becoming creative director of Toni & Guy was time-consuming.

Here, Justin shares how it all took shape with the Fash Pack.

What made you get into hats from hairstyling, and what reaction did people give you when you announced your switch?
I used to do lots of avant-garde shows with the hairdressing, so it was quite a natural step. I went on a millinery course to help me with the avant-garde hair, and I had no call to do collections anymore as I left Toni & Guy (who I used to do them for).

more after the jump