Yahoo Lifestyle Kate Middleton's Coronation Tiara Designer Says Making Piece for Her Was 'Everything I Have Ever Dreamed Of' (Exclusive)
"It was so exciting and nerve-wracking," milliner Jess Collett tells PEOPLE of creating for the "confident" and "graceful" Princess of Wales
In the world of millinery, designing a tiara for a future Queen is a life-defining moment.
That was the task at hand for Jess Collett, the British hatmaker who was chosen to create one-of-a-kind headpieces for both Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte for King Charles’ coronation on May 6, 2023.
While there was much speculation in the weeks leading up to the big day as to whether Kate would wear something befitting her status as future Queen — guests were asked to wear hats or fascinators to the event, and PEOPLE learned several weeks before the event that Kate was unlikely to wear a traditional tiara — Collett says there was never any doubt in her head what she was creating.
“It was a tiara that I made for the princess, but it was very much based on a piece that I have called ‘The Golden Crown' — a band of leaves made from gold leather,” she tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. Of "The Golden Crown," which has been on display in her Notting Hill atelier, “When people wear it, and many people have hired it, they always tell me after that they felt fabulous and radiant from inside,” Collett adds.
While we might never know how it made Kate feel, the design was certainly a masterclass in craftsmanship, a collaboration between the milliner and the designer of Princess Kate’s dress, Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.
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Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte at the coronation in May 2023Related: The Making of Kate Middleton's Coronation Headpiece and How It Honored Queen Elizabeth (Exclusive)
Constructed from silver leaves made from tulle, the tiara sparkled bright thanks to the tiny crystals scattered amongst the delicate leaves, each one hand embroidered with real silver thread. The striking design was considered a triumph, even by Collett’s children.
“We were at home watching it from the sofa, in my pajamas with my family. When Catherine arrived, I just ... even my children went, ‘Oh wow, Mum, it looks really good.’ And you know children are not afraid to tell the truth!" Collett says. "It was so exciting and nerve-wracking, but everything I have ever dreamed of.”
The whole experience was a full circle moment for Collett, who started her business with a $3,900 loan from The Prince’s Trust 27 years ago. (The Prince's Trust, now The King's Trust, is the charitable organization of Kate's father-in-law King Charles.)
“The only way I can describe it is that the stars were aligned," Collett says. "I still really do feel all of those things I felt on the day whenever I think about it. I’m not sure I will ever be able to beat it!”
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The milliner is once again aligning herself to the stars with her latest collection for Autumn/Winter 2024 called "I Feel Space."
“It’s inspired by the Aurora Borealis, and it just came to me when it happened earlier this year,” she says of the 47-piece collection. "I Feel Space" includes everything from veiled berets and trilbies to statement pieces inspired by the night skies.
While the coronation was the first time Collett worked with the Princess of Wales, 42, she’s certainly hoping it won’t be the last.
“I remember thinking at the time, 'Well, I won’t have to do this again, because she’ll be wearing the actual crown next time!’ ” Collett says. "But she always looks good. She’s confidant in her style and she’s so graceful — she’s really grown into the role.”
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