The Irish-born milliner, known for his outlandish creations, reveals his inspirations to the public at an exhibition opening next month.

Conversation Pieces opens in July at Tate Liverpool in the UK and gives visitors a rare insight into the thought processes behind some of Treacy’s eccentric designs.

Philip Treacy is considered to be a ‘celebrity-milliner’ and has a whole host of famous friends and clients. He created a total of 36 bespoke hats for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April.

This, of course, included the now infamous design for Princess Beatrice ultimately sold on eBay for over £80,000 for charity.

The exhibition will include works from Treacy’s personal art collection, as well as some of his most famous designs.

He has also selected his most inspirational pieces from the Tate’s collection, including artworks from Andy Warhol, Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon.

From his personal collection, Philip will loan a rare photograph of the late Isabella Blow – the fashion stylist and Treacy’s long-term muse. He is also exhibiting another picture taken by Bruce Weber that shows a model wearing his famous “Galleon Hat” from 1994, which was worn by Blow and singer, Grace Jones.

Treacy has also persuaded some of his famous friends to lend some of their prized possessions, with Princess Chantal of Hanover loaning an Irving Penn photograph of a woman’s mouth covered in different shades of lipstick.

A selection of the wooden hat moulds, that he creates for every bespoke design he makes, will also be put on display.

The choices of works that appear in the exhibition are centered around the concept of human form and human relations. Treacy explains that “by observing and interacting with these works, we embark on a fascinating journey to try and unravel the mystery of art.”

Conversation Pieces is to be held at the Albert Dock Gallery until 19^th August 2012. Entry to the exhibition is also free.