“It was so exciting and nerve-wracking,” milliner Jess Collett tells PEOPLE of her creations for the “confident” and “elegant” Princess of Wales.

In the world of millinery, designing a tiara for the future Queen is a life-defining moment.

That was the task at hand. Jess CollettBritish hat maker chosen to create one-of-a-kind headgear for both Kate Middleton And Princess Charlotte for King Charles‘ coronation On May 6, 2023.

While there was plenty of speculation in the weeks leading up to the big day about whether Kate would wear something befitting her future Queen status, guests were asked to wear a hat or something fascinator for the event, and PEOPLE learned that Kate found out a few weeks before the event. She was unlikely to wear a traditional crown – Collett says there was no doubt in her mind about what she had created.

“It was a tiara that I made for the princess, but it was very much based on a piece that I called ‘The Golden Tiara,’ a band of leaves made of gold leather,” she tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. “When people wear it, and many people rent it, they always tell me they feel gorgeous and sparkly from the inside,” Collett adds of the “Golden Tiara” on display in her workshop in Notting Hill.

While we may never know how it made Kate feel, the design was certainly a masterclass in craftsmanship; was a collaboration between the milliner and Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton, the designer of Princess Kate’s dress.

Yui Mok//Getty

Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte at her coronation in May 2023″ src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/m2udjZikMXwp5cBfhvAO_w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY2MA–/https://media.zenfs .com/en/people_218/1ecddc174baa610221ee1b1057950897″ class=”caas-img”/>

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The crown of silver leaves made of tulle was shining brightly thanks to the tiny crystals scattered among the delicate leaves, each embroidered with real silver thread. The striking design was considered a triumph even by Collett’s children.

“My family and I were watching from the couch at home in my pajamas. When Catherine arrived, I just… even my kids were like, ‘Wow, mom, she looks really beautiful.’ And you know kids aren’t afraid to tell the truth!” Collett says: “It was so exciting and nerve-wracking but everything I dreamed of.”

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The whole experience was a full-circle moment for Collett, who started his business 27 years ago with a $3,900 loan from The Prince’s Trust. (The Prince’s Trust, now the King’s TrustIt is the charity of Kate’s father-in-law, King Charles.)

Collett says: “The only way I can describe it is that the stars aligned. I still literally feel all the things I felt that day, whenever I think about it. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over it!”

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Hatter is once again among the stars with his latest Autumn/Winter 2024 collection. “I Feel the Emptiness.”

“It was inspired by the Aurora Borealis and I was reminded of that event earlier this year,” he says of the 47-piece collection. “I Feel Space” features everything from covered beanies and fedoras to statement pieces inspired by the night sky.

Although the coronation was Collett’s first time working with the 42-year-old Princess of Wales, she certainly hopes it won’t be the last.

“At the time I thought, ‘I’ll never have to do this again, because next time he’ll wear the real crown!’ I remember thinking. ” says Collett. “But he always looks good. She is confident in her style and very elegant; “He’s really settled into this role.”

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Read the original article People.