Tusting Talks To...
Rachel Trevor-Morgan, Esteemed British Milliner
In celebration of our collaboration, we spoke to Rachel Trevor-Morgan about the partnership and her illustrious career, during which she has crafted exquisite hats that have been worn by members of the Royal Family and are frequently seen at the UK’s most significant seasonal and ceremonial occasions.
Tell us about your career to date
My career started as an apprenticeship to a wonderful milliner called Graham Smith. I immediately fell in love with hats and the craft - I never looked back. I established my millinery business in 1990 and this year I am celebrating 35 years in business. I am so lucky to have had a very varied and rewarding career, collaborating with fabulous couturiers and building a wonderful and loyal client base as well as supplying top stores. In 2006, I was invited to submit designs for HM Queen Elizabeth and went on to make her hats up until her final balcony appearance in 2022. In 2014, I was granted a Royal Warrant for millinery to the Queen. As you can imagine, this was an incredible moment in my career and one which I am extremely proud of.
We’re excited to collaborate on the Tusting x RTM designs, tell us about the process?
I have long admired the Tusting brand and am equally excited by our collaboration! I wanted to find some beautiful bags to pair with my millinery and over a lunch the idea of a collaboration was born. Tusting has a very clean and modern aesthetic which chimes perfectly with our hats. We have taken two of the classic Tusting styles and added an individual twist. A bow is the perfect millinery trimming, so for the Mini Holly we have added one in soft leather. For the Clara we have used our beautiful old flower presses, the result is a playful and elegant bag with soft-pressed leather petals and gold foiled stems. I have learned a lot from visiting the Tusting workshop and seeing their gifted craftspeople at work.
What's always in your Tusting bag?
My iphone, Cosmetics a La Carte lipstick, a notebook and pen (always!)
Where do you draw your inspiration from for your hats?
Honestly, anywhere and from anything! Ideas can come from a wonderful exhibition, flowers from a bouquet, colours from a holiday. I love looking back at millinery from the ‘40’s and ‘50’s when hats were always worn. I love Hollywood glamour in old movies and the Golden Age of Couture. My clients also inspire me, each appointment brings new thoughts and ideas.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
In business, it’s as important to say no to things as it is to say yes!
Royal Ascot is a highlight of the British summer events calendar, what are your favourite styling tips when it comes to choosing and wearing a hat?
Be bold! There is a strict dress code for the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot and everyone will be wearing a hat. These days there are not enough occasions to dress up so embrace the opportunity and go for it.
As a milliner I would suggest you go for a simple dress
and silhouette, that way you can really go to town on your hat.
And of course, don’t forget your Tusting bag!
Stand out for the right reasons; keep it chic.
What’s in store for the rest of 2026 and your 35th anniversary year?
This month would have been the Queen’s 100th birthday, and I am off to a black-tie reception at The Kings Gallery to celebrate. It will be a wonderful opportunity to remember her life and style and I can’t wait to see the exhibition. With the season nearly upon us, its head down for the next couple of months. We are normally run off our feet, which is both exhausting and exhilarating! It’s a roller coaster and I love it. This year we are part of the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective and I will be attending on Ladies Day. Then, after a break to recover, it goes onto the next collection and our attention turns to SS27!
