With the Duchess of Cambridge, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Zara Philips on her client list, Jane Taylor is well-established in the millinery world. The British designer was rocketed to hat stardom during the Jubilee celebrations, when Kate Middleton wore her beaded cocktail hat. Kate has since worn Jane Taylor designs on countless occasions. With Royal Ascot just around the corner, Jane is busy dressing clients for the racing event , but she took some time out to chat with HELLO! Online at Fenwick's of Bond Street about dressing one of the most famous women in the world and her top tips for choosing the perfect hat…
Kate Middleton first wore one of Jane Taylor's designs at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations
My career highlight was when the Duchess wore my hat to the Diamond Jubilee service… It was the first time she'd worn one and I was so excited! I was watching it on TV and I'd had a couple of glasses of champagne and then I had the press calling me! The Kate Effect is a bit different with hats… If she wears a dress from Zara, everyone can wear it. But with a hat, you need an occasion. It did obviously help massively though and we made lots of copies of that hat for Americans! A hat should be worn over the right eye… It's tradition. It should also be just above your eyebrow – it's more flattering if it sits there. On top of the head is very tricky to pull off. If you have a long face, don't wear a hat with a deep crown. For rounder faces, wear a hat that's angular and cuts across your face.
Jane Taylor modelling one of her hats at Fenwick's of Bond Street
If it's your first time wearing a hat, go cocktail… They're much easier to wear. If you're not used to wearing big brims, for example, you can end up fiddling with them quite a lot. Wide brims can also swallow you up if you're petite. If you do go for wide brim, however, opt for a wide skirt to offset. When at Ascot, wear something showstopping… It's all about the headwear at Ascot so make sure you go all out. But if you do, stick to a very simple dress and a little jacket – the rest of the outfit has to be pared-back. For me, it's all about being elegant and feminine and wearing something that really flatters you. The whole point of a hat is you look better with a hat on than you do off. Matching sometimes doesn't work… Matching your outfit and all your accessories with the same colour isn't very modern. I prefer a bit of a colour clash. I love lime green, pink and navy – the colours all work really well together.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex is a big fan of Jane's designs
You can purchase Jane’s creations online at fenwick.co.uk or in store in the lead up to Ascot.
EMERGENCY HAT CLINIC
For an Ascot Emergency, head for Fenwick's of Bond Street's early-morning helpline. We’re opening the store at 8am on June 19th, 20th and 21st for any Race Day panic - a last-minute Ascot outfit, hat, hair-styling or make-up. Make-up artists from Bobbi Brown and hair stylist from Gielly Green will be in Personal Shopping to help you win by a head. Book for an appointment by emailing: royalascotclinic@fenwick.co.uk
Bond & Brook restaurant at Fenwick is also offering a delicious Royal Ascot afternoon tea now until 21 June.