Universal Platforms Reach New Heights

Online, August 20, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Tourists in the capital were treated to a rare fashion occurrence earlier in the month, as London's most famous statues were given specially-designed headwear to don in order to celebrate the Olympic Games and the country's millinery tradition. London-based cherry picker providers Universal Platforms helped dress the monolithic structures with their cherry pickers and access platforms.

Hatwalk is a combined project that was organised by Grazia magazine, BT, the British Fashion Council, The London 2012 festival and the Mayor of London, and sees some of London's most notable statues decked out in high-quality, bespoke headwear courtesy of a number of the country's top milliners. Hatwalk is just one of several free and secret performances including in this summer's Surprises, a new initiative celebrating creativity and culture in the capital.

Breath-taking photos show Admiral Lord Nelson donning his new hat, courtesy of Lock & Co, the oldest hat-makers in London, famed for creating Nelson's original bicorn hat. Universal Platforms scaled the 169-foot statue in order to dress him, with site surveyors overseeing the project. Nelson is just one of 20 well-known statues which were dressed as part of HatWalk, including Winston Churchill and William Shakespeare, whose hat went missing pretty quickly.

It was judged as a highly successful Olympics-related cultural event, combining fun, history, culture and fashion! It also brought attention to some of the country's top milliners.

The complete collection of headpieces will be open to the public at BT London Live at Hyde Park until the 12th August. Universal provides cherry picker and other access platform hire for central London and the surrounding area. We have some of the latest and most trusted brands available.