Philip Treacy (a Treacy quote which is often reproduced): Treacy had previously written a piece for "The Guardian" in May 2001 on what defines the "perfect hat". Treacy's hats are also associated with English royalty, with thirty–six worn at the 29 April 2011 Royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, including the controversial fascinator style hat worn by Princess Beatrice of York. The so–called "pretzel hat" was auctioned for charity by Princess Beatrice on eBay for $130,000 (£80,100.01) on the 22 May 2011. Treacy felt the criticism regarding the "pretzel hat" was very extreme (the hat had its own Facebook page
Philip Treacy has noted the support his parents gave him in pursuing his love of millinery, noting that his father would say: "whatever makes him happy". Treacy called his friendship with his significant mentor, Isabella Blow, as: "an affair without sex". Treacy also highlights the importance of fashion model Grace Jones as a collaborator and friend. Treacy is the second youngest of a large family and has eight other siblings, including one sister, the oldest sibling, and seven other brothers. He is particularly close to his sister, Marion Tubbing, who he credits with supplying him with editions of "Harper's and Queen" and