Kate Middleton’s trusted milliner is stepping into the spotlight again but this time the mission goes far beyond royal fascinators and fashion statements. Awon Golding the designer behind hats worn by both Kate the Princess of Wales and Meghan the Duchess of Sussex is preparing to release a new edition of her now iconic Haute Dogs calendar. What started as a playful side idea has grown into a serious force for animal welfare and the new edition promises to make an even deeper mark.
Golding has designed for the most photographed women in the world and yet her passion project is not about royal red carpets but about rescue dogs in need of help and a second chance. Once a year she turns her millinery skills away from princesses and duchesses and towards shelter pups dressing them in couture worthy headpieces to raise money for charity.
This year marks the eighth edition of the Haute Dogs calendar and each edition has helped generate support for U K based rescue charity Underdog International. The designer confirmed that proceeds from the 2025 calendar will once again funnel into the organization which works to protect dogs and also builds educational programs for children.
Speaking to People magazine Golding revealed that the novelty of the project has never faded for her. She said that making hats for rescue dogs never gets old and she stressed that what may appear lighthearted or even comical is in fact creating measurable impact.
She explained that the blend of fashion creativity and philanthropy has proven to be a winning formula and that every year the calendar attracts more attention from animal advocates and design enthusiasts. The idea that fun and impact can coexist seems to be at the heart of Golding’s approach.
She added that the world is heavy and humor plus kindness is something humans desperately need. The new calendar delivers that mix through joyful imagery and charitable purpose. Each dog features its own unique couture headpiece crafted by some of the most skilled milliners in the industry.
Twelve rescue dogs are hand selected to appear in each calendar. These dogs are then styled in extravagant hats designed by some of the top names in the craft including Golding herself and royal favorite Justine Bradley Hill among others. The project unites luxury design houses for something far more meaningful than a runway.
Golding went on to praise Underdog International saying she chose to support the organization because of its dual mission. The charity does not only save dogs from dangerous conditions it also supports child centered education and emotional support using animal care as a teaching tool.
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She highlighted that the founder of the charity Nadine is deeply invested in education and believes that long term change happens when people learn compassion early. That two tier mission makes Underdog International unique in the rescue space.
Golding argued that rescue work alone cannot transform the industry unless it is paired with public awareness. To create permanent changes she insisted education must work alongside rescue. Changing minds creates a ripple effect larger than any single shelter initiative.
Supporters of the project say Golding has turned millinery into activism by borrowing the glamour of royal fashion and redirecting it to animal welfare. The prestige of having created headpieces for Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle sends a message of legitimacy and elegance behind the fundraising effort.
Observers also note that this is one of the few initiatives that openly links celebrity fashion culture to rescue advocacy without relying on shock tactics or guilt. Instead the calendar uses beauty whimsy and prestige to grab attention then channels it toward compassionate outcomes.
The upcoming launch is expected to draw interest from royal watchers fashion fans and animal lovers alike. Golding’s name carries weight in the world of couture and the involvement of designers who have supplied hats to Kate and Meghan gives the calendar a royal adjacent glow that helps it sell.
With the royal circle continuing to influence global trends this is one example of how that influence can be redirected into causes that benefit those without a voice. Golding’s calendar proves that designers tied to the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex can do more than inspire looks they can inspire generosity.
