Phillip Treacy – Mad hatter or Millinery Genius?

If there was one person who faced criticism in the aftermath of the Royal Wedding, it was Philip Treacy. The Milliner to the stars created almost 40 hats and fascinators for the occasion, with some being better received than others. And none were ridiculed more than the creations worn by the Royal Princesses, Beatrice and Eugenie.

Poor Beatrice’s hat has been compared to everything from an upturned toilet seat to a Telletubby, even gaining its own Facebook page, ‘Princess Beatrice’s ridiculous hat page. Beatrice is a big fan of Treacy, and has worn his creations in the past, often with the same ridicule, like when she wore the unusual butterfly hat. Princess Eugenie (whose hat I personally love) was said to be wearing a child’s boat on her head filled with flowers. Other hats received criticism too, with Tara Palmer Tompkinson said to be wearing a large blue arrow pointing towards her new nose.

Other Treacy designs were better received. Victoria Beckham looked elegant with her simpler creation, again she is a fan who has worn Treacy to Royal occasions before, when David collected his OBE.  Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Princess Marie-Chantel of Greece and Sophie Winkleman looked beautiful in their cool and classy looks. Zara Phillips hat was praised for how it framed her high cheekbones.

I think Treacy should be lauded as a national treasure who is capable of creating exquisite designs that range from the delicate to the outlandish. Treacy makes hats and headpieces that clearly suit the personality of the wearer, and it is this that accounts for his large celebrity fan base. Kate Moss is a fan, whilst Sarah Jessica Parker wore Treacy fascinators to both Sex in the City film premieres, teaming them each time with Alexander McQueen dresses for stunning visual effect. Another fan is Lady Gaga, who often wears crazy designs.

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But Treacy is capable of creating less flamboyant designs. One of his greatest fans is the new Duchess  of Cambridge, who has worn many Treacy creations for society weddings. No-one could accuse Kate of ever looking ridiculous, she wears Treacy designs with infinite style and finesse. Her new mother-in-law, the Duchess of Cornwall is also a Treacy aficionado, wearing his designs for her own wedding to Prince Charles in 2005.

I personally think Phillip Treacy is a true genius…with just a touch of Mad Hatter thrown in for good measure. He takes all that is unique and wonderful about British style, and adds in that unique  sense of humour. Beatrice and Eugenie looked young and fun at the Royal Wedding, and set the whole world talking about them. Some would say that is quite a result!

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