CONSERVATION COUTURE: THE ANIMAL BALL COLLECTION

To help raise awareness for endangered species all over the world, Georgia Hardinge has collaborated with The Elephant Family to create sculptural masks for their prestigious Animal Ball. 

Other fashion houses taking part in this exclusive project include Burberry, Chloe, Matthew Williamson, Jimmy Choo and Jean Paul Gaultier to name a few.

The bespoke masks were exhibited in the V&A for a limited time until 9th November 2016. All of the masks were beautifully displayed in the Dome at the top of the museum and could be viewed by appointment only.

The masks were then carefully transported to Selfridges, London, where they are currently on display in the Personal Shopping Lounge. This is where guests of the Animal Ball may try on and collect their headwear.

The majestic blue and gold Macaw, otherwise known as Ara Ararauna, is threatened of extinction in most countries by deforestation. Georgia Hardinge, has created a sculptural mask to capture the opulence of this magnificent bird.

Using her signature structural techniques and experience with manipulating materials, Georgia has crafted the mask using card and boning. The Ara Ararauna Macaw is eye-catching with its vibrant coloured feathers in shades of turquoise and yellow. Hardinge has emulated these exciting hues, producing a bold, statement piece.