TRACY ROSE- A HAT DESIGNER IN A CLASS OF HER OWN

As I approached Tracy Rose for the first time I knew without a doubt that I was meeting a true gem, a unique spirit with an individual perspective of the world. A petite lady with a warm personality, she exudes a steely determination that has made her one of the top hat designers around. Wearing one of her unique designs as we chatted amicably I couldn't help but notice that her striking appearance attracted attention from all corners. Her long, curving nails were carefully painted to match her clothes.

Each hat is an extraordinary masterpiece, a work of art with such minute detail that one cannot help but gasp. " I like to create unique hats that I've never seen before, something with a twist to it", explains Rose. She continued, " The current trend is to wear individual hats, people are no longer afraid to stand out from the crowd, the approach is more customized. There is now a tendency for people to want something different, witty and fun."

Tracy Rose is a trend- setter. She makes it a point never to observe what other designers are producing. This allows her to maintain her fresh, singular vision without being influenced by the perspective of outside forces. The new concept she is about to introduce will certainly take the hat industry by storm. Her new designs are to be labelled Trente hats; 6 pieces that can be combined to create 30 hat designs of various colour combinations. She is responding to the needs of her customers by creating hats, which can be altered to suit different occasions and the mood of the wearer. It is cost effective and is a clear indication of the shear genius of her design skills.

Tracy Rose's hats are couture classics. Her designs have been worn by celebrities ranging from Lili Maltese, Tracy Young, Valerie Campbell and Kellie Bryan (a former member of Eternal). Ascot would probably come to a standstill if Tracy Rose ever took a holiday from designing hats and as the season approaches she is inundated with requests. The Derby, Glorious Goodwood, the Henley Regatta, those are only some of the arenas where her hats are to be found in full display.

What is most engaging about Tracy Rose is that destiny came to her doorstep; she certainly didn't go looking for it. She had trained as a classical dancer and attended stage school but this career path was cut short when she developed arthritis. Creative by nature, she started creating hats for her own enjoyment. Fate intervened when she started to receive media attention and the public began to order her designs. It is interesting to note that Tracy Rose's grandmother used to make hats and this points to an artistic inclination in her family. Tracy Rose recalls attending one of her regular society events and was stunned when Ivana Trump complemented her on her hat, but by the time she could respond the grand dame of New York had moved on.

Does she have plans for a new range of hats? "I'd love to make futuristic hats," she says with a twinkle in her eye. Knowing Tracy Rose she will not disappoint the public when it comes to producing innovative styles. Her hats are found in exclusive boutiques and Dickens and Jones are distributors. Visit the website for more information: Curvenetics.com

Editorial director : Ona Amenechi