Last year saw some new faces head to Windsor Castle to pick up their MBEs, and I was delighted to see my hats make an appearance. The famous ballerina, Pietra De Mello Pittman MBE joined Ella Spira MBE, a Grammy nominated composer and producer, to set up a business called Sisters Grimm.

They had been invited up and awarded with an MBE for their services to international trade and the creative industries in 2021. Seeing my creations at such an incredible event was a true privilege and I couldn’t help but look back over how far I’ve come…

From then to now…

When I first started, I was involved in The Prince’s Trust charity which was founded by Prince Charles in 1976. Having been helped by him all those years ago, it was truly incredible to see him awarding an MBE to someone who was wearing my hat.

I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without the support, training and dedication that those involved at the Prince’s Trust showed me in the early stages of my business. It’s almost like I’ve done a full circle, and I’ll always be grateful.

Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to create hats for Kyle Ho, Jasper Garvida, the Asudari show during Paris Fashion Week, Debbie McGee, Dita Von Teese, Lily Allen, The Noisettes and for a Downton Abbey press event. I’ve also discussed millinery with The Duchess of Cornwall, and have been interviewed by ITV’s Mark Hayes and for The Alan Titchmarsh Show. Truly pinch-me moments…

My client base is growing and I’ve been lucky enough to have a really busy year - making hats for the Royal Ascot, weddings, press events and more. Even better, my clients come back to me and recommend my name to friends and family which is the best review of them all!

As I look ahead to the last couple of months of 2021 and further afield to 2022, I’m delighted to say that things are busy. My clients continue to use me to create masterpieces for some fantastic events, my business academy is ever-growing and I’m now an associate of the British Millinery Association and a member of the Walpole British Luxury group.

Day-to-day, I base myself from London’s Oxo Tower so if you’re in the area, why not pop in to have a chat? Alternatively, I’d love to show you some of my latest designs!

Katherine Elizabeth x