Awon Golding

Not being part of the ingrained culture here means that I have a fresh perspective on things. I really cherish my different-ness.
My mother is from the Tangkhul Naga tribe in Northeast India, and Dad is from Essex, but I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I’m a third-culture kid.

I’d always been an avid hat wearer and lover. Thirteen years ago, I decided to come to London to study millinery. It’s been a very rocky road, but I’m lucky to have my own studio and my own brand. And for the last three years, I’ve also been working as the head millinery designer for Lock & Co, which is the world’s oldest hat shop. It’s a 400-year-old heritage brand that is synonymous with Britishness, and I’m at the helm of the design, which is pretty incredible.

I always want to create something in my work that brings a little bit of joy into your life. My favourite pieces are my gelato hats. These were from my first collection but I’m still incredibly proud of them.

Images: courtesy Awon Golding