Rachel Trevor-Morgan in one of her fabulous hats
Rachel Trevor-Morgan has been one of the Queen’s milliners since 2006, designing over 65 hats for Her Majesty. I first met Rachel when she came to one of my Meeting of Minds dinner parties shortly after Her Majesty had appointed her. Now, as a blogger, I could hardly wait to visit her atelier in St James’, try on a hat or two and quiz her as to how she turns heads.
HM the Queen celebrating her Diamond Jubillee in one of Rachel Trevor-Morgan’s hats
Your address is Crown Passage, SW1. Did you move to these premises before or after the Queen was one of your clients? I was here before but I had set my sights high!
Can you remember the first hat you ever wore? I remember begging my mother to buy me a hat – a straw hat with cherries! I was given the choice of us all going to the cinema or buying the hat…..needless to say the hat won.
How old were you when you designed your first hat? I think around 17. I used to make a lot of my own clothes and was always adapting vintage clothes to create something different. I remember making a black velvet hat with coloured velvet roses, based on a Beefeaters hat.
I am in love… with this hat!
How does wearing a hat make you feel? Confident, it makes you stand out and feel wonderful.
Who or what inspires your designs? Many different things. I get a lot of inspiration from couture hats from the 1940s and 50s and the era when everyone wore them and dressed up to go out of the front door. I have been making hats for over 22 years now so my clients also influence my designs; after all I am designing forthem.
Rachel Trevor-Morgan hats in St James’
Which is your favourite hat? It changes from week to week. Currently it is a delicate dusty pink petal pillbox with a black spot face veil and a taffeta bow.
Who would you love to design a hat for? Samantha Cameron.
How do you unwind after work? I have 3 children so things are pretty busy when I get home. Once a week I go to a ballet class which I love. Otherwise nothing beats a glass of good wine and a good meal.
Where do you love to eat out? We have a local bistro in Pimlico called Grumbles, a relaxed atmosphere and great food. A new discovery is Cecconi’s Italian restaurant in Mayfair …delicious.
the sewing machine which makes HM the Queen’s hats
what is the best advice you have been given? To believe in yourself and take opportunities when they present themselves.
Where do you shop? All over the place, I have my high street basics and enjoy picking up interesting pieces in vintage shops. I love quality and like things to last. I also have some beautiful couture pieces that have been made for me.
What is your biggest extravagance? Shoes.
Where do you call home? London, I have lived here for over 25 years and it keeps me energised. We also have a cottage in mid Wales where I go to unwind and switch off, as much as I love London, I need Wales.
What are you currently working on? I have just finished my new collection for Spring / Summer 2013 and am working on my new Bridal collection and orders.
perfectly fitting address for the Queen’s milliner
How often do you wear a hat? I will always wear a hat at the hint of an occasion and, in the winter, I wear one for warmth.
Which has been your greatest hat moment? Designing hats for HM The Queen – it doesn’t get much better.
Rachel Trevor-Morgan 18 Crown Passage, King Street SW1 020 7839 8927
