When it comes to choosing a hat, there is no better person to advise than Rachel Trevor-Morgan; last year, Rachel was granted The Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen and now she’s designed a special range for the latest Jaques Vert collection at Debenhams that was recently launched in Dubai, UAE and Kuwait. We’ve caught up with Rachel to bring our readers the tips on how to choose the perfect hat for the Dubai World Cup as well as to find out a little bit more about her elegant work and character.

What was the inspiration for the collaboration for Jaques Vert collection?
When I was designing their collection I was looking at their clothing line, of course, and the style’s patterns and colours and really taking the inspiration from that. I suppose the collection is also a diffusion, if you like, of my main range and trying to bring that to the high street because what I do in London is very couture, handmade, so it’s really exciting to be able to offer that on a broader scale.

What would you say makes the hat perfect?
Oh, it’s quite difficult, because, of course every individual is so different, so when people ask me how should one go about choosing a hat, I say, you’ve got to try on so many different shapes; things that you don’t think are going to work for you, but then you can be surprised. So, it’s all about the balance; it’s about getting into account your whole look, outfit and the occasion. I don’t know if you can specify a perfect hat, if that makes sense. Beautifully crafted, beautifully balanced and beautiful coordinated.

What would you recommend not to do?
It’s awful when people make this great effort with their outfit and then they end up with sort of apology of a hat. Hat is such an important part of your whole look.

What is the most fond memory of your career?
Oh it has to be making my first hat for the Queen, because that is such an incredible honour and I think the first hat I made was on the occasion of her 80th birthday. So even though I knew she was going to wear it, I couldn’t quite believe it until she stepped out of the car. So it’s amazing; I love the Queen and…

You must’ve been very proud of yourself…
I was, actually and so was my mother as you could imagine [laughs].

From what you’ve seen so far, what do you think of fashion in Dubai?
Well, that is quite difficult because it’s not from what I’ve seen but I just think that Middle Eastern women dress beautifully, elegantly and luxurious. I am excited to see how this goes here, but I don’t know if I can really make it [chuckles].

What would you advise to those who are just starting up?
I think it’s tough now, in the sense that people don’t wear hats as much as they used to, so making hats is a tough business, but you’ve got to keep your eye on the commercial side and show that you want people to look elegant and beautiful. Find your own handwriting and stick with it, be true to yourself and, of course, what I believe in is the crafting and the finishing. Keep the standards high.

Rachel Trevor-Morgan for Jaques Vert colleciton is now available at Debenhams stores in Dubai and Kuwait.