13 August 2024 |
Her namesake label has dressed everyone from Beyoncé to European royalty.
Few brands can count the likes of Beyoncé, Rita Ora, Kate Winslet, and royalty as their fan base but for Jane Taylor, that’s the norm. The milliner, who’s been in business for over two decades, has established herself as one of the go-to brands for everything from holidays in the sun to weddings to probably one of the busiest times of the year, Royal Ascot. Known for her creative yet sleek hats, fascinators, and headpieces, Taylor draws from an array of influences ranging from art to textiles to nature. We caught up with Taylor to talk about big brand moments, her desert island must-haves, and how My Fair Lady made an impact on her career choices as a child.
1. What inspired you to start your millinery line?
“I have always loved sculpture, art and textiles and when I realized that millinery combined all those things, I knew it was for me. Following an embroidering degree at Manchester Art School, I went on to study Millinery at Chelsea & Kensington College, before training with Marie O’Regan, Queen Elizabeth II’s milliner. She was such an inspiration for me. Her passion for design, sculpture and perfection taught me so much. After working at Dior she moved to London and worked with some of the top milliners of the day creating pieces that were fashion forward and beautifully finished. She was very caring and kind to all, and I can often hear her voice when I am creating something new and check that it is to her high design standards.”
2. What was the most memorable moment for the brand?
“There have been many memorable moments including Beyoncé wearing a headpiece and Penny Mordaunt wearing a bespoke Full Moon headpiece at the coronation. I am continually proud and feel honored to design and make for various members of the Royal Family, and royalty from all over the world. Working closely with all of my clients has given me the opportunity to be a small part of some very special moments over the years. While these are often public events, weddings and races, they are also very special and private occasions in the lives of the client.”
3. Who is the Jane Taylor woman?
“Someone who wants to look elegant and smart as well as having a bit of a fashionable edge to their outfit. She wants to feel confident and have a piece that flatters her.”
4. What is one movie, television show or book that you recommend to everyone and why?
“My Fair Lady! My lightbulb moment happened when I was just a little girl. It was while I was watching this film that I just knew I wanted to make hats one day. Seeing those beautiful, formal designs worn by Audrey Hepburn captured my imagination.”
5. You’re on a deserted island, what are the three items you’ve brought with you?
“An endless supply of dark chocolate, a shark net, and a water filter. And a Jane Taylor sun hat!”
6. What is the one piece advice you wished you gave your younger self?
“Follow your passion. It’s important to make sure you love what you’re doing all the time, and that you keep reassessing what you are doing.”
7. What is your preferred hostess or thank you gift and why?
“I love dried flowers tied with a silk ribbon. Also, our bow hair clips are easy to gift in colors like black, navy or alabaster.”
8. Where is the one place in the world that everyone must go and why?
“Southern India, Kerala in particular, has a very peaceful religion and amazing vegetarian food. Prayers can be heard on every street corner and temples are everywhere. The region boasts a real variety of colors, embellishments, beautiful textiles, and intricate embroidery.”
9. What inspires you at the moment?
“I take inspiration from nature and classic headwear pieces, my favorite period being from the 1920s onwards. I reference these shapes, styles, material combinations and trims in my collections.The key is keeping the classic elegance of these timeless designs, while rethinking the forms for the modern women. Hairstyles are so different, hats are not worn every day and gender typical styles are becoming fluid and so making new shapes for this era is a challenge I really enjoy.”
10. Where do you see the brand in five years?
“We’re very well known through our couture and occasion wear pieces that we have made for the British and European Royal Families. We’re creating much stronger ties with the US market, and 40% of our clients are now in the USA. We will be exploring American opportunities in the next 5 years. Our collections include a range of unexpected items, such as everyday tweed and leather headbands, masks and headbands for black-tie events, balls, and evening occasions, as well as casual Panama sun hats, boaters, and fedoras made from luxury straw or felt. These items will feature more prominently in our store and on our website. We aim to create larger collections of these wearable pieces, making them accessible to everyone.”
