In 2024, the iconic Coke hat celebrates its 175th anniversary. Lock & Co. has partnered with the Royal School of Needlework for RSN x Bowler Hat to commemorate this milestone. The collaboration is a testament to the artistry of British heritage craftsmanship in creating and showcasing an exclusive range of bowler hats, each with a unique design and embellished using handmade ribbon work. Each beautiful bowler hat has its own story, brought to life by the meticulous finesse and design skills of the RSN degree students.

Stella Buckingham

Stella is a third-year student, and her design incorporates three important trees in London’s historic parks: the oak, the hornbeam, and the hawthorn. The intertwining garland pays homage to the original purpose of the Coke hat, to protect the heads of gamekeepers from thorns and low-hanging branches, and the use of tweed fabric evokes their traditional uniform. Stella says, “I often use goldwork and tambour techniques in my designs. I try and utilise vintage fabrics as sustainability is a key aspect of my creative ethos”.