A carpenter’s daughter from Anglesey has scooped a global award for a unique hat design- made out of wood.
Now, Kate Jones, 27, whose family live in Menai Bridge stands on the verge of international stardom and the fashion industry says it is only a matter of time before her incredible creations come to the attention of Hollywood celebrities and Royals alike.
Kate has won global recognition after being chosen as runner up in the competition organised by superstar milliner Stephen Jones and judged by the famous editor of online Vogue magazine Dolly Jones.
And her victory has focussed even more attention on the popular holiday island which attracts over 1.5 million visitors a year.
The competition organised through social networking sites attracted over 550 entries from around the world and the project is estimated to have reached over 19 million people.
As a result Kate will be visiting New York next year and has also been invited to take part in Liverpool Fashion Week this autumn.
Her unique winning creation was made out of wood veneer featuring oak, mahogany and cherry and was inspired by the natural form of growth when she used smooth texture and lightweight curved lines helping to capture a subtle feminine form.
“Wood is often seen as masculine so I tried to completely eliminate all that and bring out its real spirit”, said Kate.
A former pupil at David Hughes School, Kate studied at Coleg Menai and later studied at Leeds College of Art – she now lives in the city where she runs her own label Milliflorae specialising in unique handmade headwear and accessories. She also works two evenings a week as a milliner lecturer at the Leeds College of Art.
At her studio she works closely with clients throughout the whole design process to produce tailor made pieces to perfectly match clients outfits – and also their personality and sense of style.
Kate’s father Gwyn was the woodwork and metal teacher at the local school on Anglesey and it was this which inspired her award winning creation – although she has had a lifelong passion for hats and accessories.
“It is all a bit of a dream at the moment”, said Kate.” But it would be wonderful if someone like Kate Middleton had one of my creations in her private collection”.
Praising Kate’s work, International Milliner Stephen Jones said: “The quality of hat designs in the competition were really fantastic and I love the fact that they came in from all over the world – our shortlist has a truly international make up. This competition really was about creativity without boundaries and it just proves the great freedom that the internet brings. Kate’s hat was simply stunning”.
Kate’s winning entry is now featured on Vogue.co.uk
When she’s not making hats Kate heads for her Anglesey home each month and loves the view of the island as she heads down the A55.
“I absolutely love Anglesey”, said Kate. “It’s not just my home it’s my spiritual bolthole – it’s a fabulous place to unwind and also to dream up new creative ideas.
“I’d love to design a hat which sums up the peace and tranquillity of the island and its unique culture and heritage.”
