Penelope Chilvers, the designer whose footwear Princess Catherine has worn since her university days, has praised the royal family for using their sartorial influence to champion British brands.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Chilvers said: "I feel very proud that members of the Royal Family continue to wear our designs, but I’m also delighted that they support British industry."
She added: "I think that’s something really special and it’s something they do incredibly well. They really do fly the flag for British brands."
A 20-year bond with the Princess
Catherine, 44, has returned to the same British brands - and often the very same pieces - for more than 20 years. Before Palace engagements and state occasions entered her diary, the future Queen had discovered a pair of Chilvers' now-famous Long Tassel Boots, which became one of the most enduring staples in her wardrobe.
Chilvers said: "Princess Catherine has been wearing us since she was at university and that’s incredibly special to me."
Proudest career moment
The designer recalled the moment that filled her with pride: "One of the proudest moments of my career was seeing her wearing her trusty Long Tassel Boots years later in Bhutan because she’d loved them for so long."
She continued: "It’s wonderful to see someone continue wearing something rather than replacing it."
Catherine wore the boots during the 2016 royal tour of India and Bhutan, teaming them with jeans and a waistcoat as she and Prince William hiked to the Tiger’s Nest monastery. By then, she had owned the boots for years, making their appearance a powerful advertisement for longevity in royal fashion.
No secret royal formula
Despite having one of the world's most photographed women repeatedly step out in her creations, Chilvers insists there is no secret royal formula behind her designs.
She explained: "When people ask whether I design with the Royal Family in mind, the answer is no. I focus on creating pieces that women genuinely love to wear and I think that’s exactly why the royals continue to choose us."
She added: "They appreciate the same values our customers do - timeless style, craftsmanship, comfort and authenticity."
Catherine has made an art form of the royal rewear - coats disappear for years before resurfacing, dresses are restyled, and trusty accessories accompany her through different eras of her royal life. More than two decades after first choosing Chilvers' designs, the Princess is still reaching for them.
