I grew up in the west of Ireland, and Galway was our local seaside resort. We'd go for one day of the year during the summer, and I have enduring memories of the sand and the sea.

Often, what makes my job so exciting is designing for the mother whose dream has been to wear one of my hats at her child's wedding. I feel as responsible for making her feel like a million dollars as I do for somebody in the public eye.

Royalty is completely different than celebrity. Royalty has a magic all its own.

Hats are really for ultimate occasions, so when I make one, I try to do something different, something noticeable.