Celebrate British heritage
launching her first bridal headdress collection in 1997, later for which she won the Headdress Designer Award at the Brides British Bridal Awards. Traces of inspiration
There isn’t any one medium that she gets driven by. In fact, she draws it from everywhere she can; the latest catwalk shows, Hollywood films or simply walking past a florist and seeing a beautiful bouquet of flowers. “As I work so closely with my bespoke clients and every design is unique, I’m often inspired by them; an outfit they’ve worn or an idea we’ve developed together–I regularly have people in mind when creating collections,” she refers.
Many people in life rely upon their role models dead or alive who they think had or have something unique to relate to and can help them succeed along the way. In her case though, it’s a bit different story. “I don’t have particular role models. I often take inspiration from the 40s and 50s when hats were considered de rigueur,” she says. Lineup of collections
The idea behind any collection of hers isn’t a predetermined one. It could come flying anytime. More so, her collections always evolve from one another. There might be a new shape or silhouette she wants to try out, sometimes a color might be her latest obsession although it might change from season to season and she runs with the design process to see where it leads. “But I do love bright pops of color highlighting the classic more tonal colors like black, nude and dusty pink. It’s always hard to choose a favorite,” she admits.
When it comes to using fabrics, she loves working with a wide variety of fabrics providing they are the best quality and absolutely fine. “We use straws, felts, silk taffeta and feathers mostly,” says Rachel Trevor.
Even though she has been adorning Her Majesty the Queen with her hats since 2006, it was in 2014 when she was finally granted The Royal Warrant of Appointment. “It’s a fantastic honor and privilege to be granted the Royal Warrant. It’s a life changing moment to have the highest approval possible that you can hope for,” she expresses delightfully.
The other members of the Royal Family who just love to put on her hats include the Duchess of Cambridge, the Countess of Wessex and Princess Alexandra who all have had bespoke pieces made.
With this marvelous artistry, she has been able to capture the imagination of people whether be it in Ireland, US or Japan where her hats are constantly supplied to the boutiques over there. Her creations are always housed in London’s top glitzy retailers like Harrods and Selfridges because of customers’ growing demand.
Reflecting on her extraordinary journey since the launch of her brand back in the 90s, she said, “Every day I learn something new, and add it to my wealth of experience. I believe that the journey is just as important as the end destination.”
Millinery culture is an eternal part of British life. “Millinery and British identity go hand in hand. We have such wonderful events here in the UK and it’s important that we don’t lose the art of hat wearing,” she calls for.
As for the future plans for the brand, she has clearly thought through and is keenly working on its expansion. “I’m always looking to further my reputation and grow the brand. We recently started a diffusion line for Jacques Vert which has been well received and is also available at Debenhams in the UAE and Kuwait. The unknown is always exciting,” she says.