MILLINER'S ROYAL ASCOT INSPIRATION

Dear friends,

The annual race, Royal Ascot, which takes place at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England, is one of the most prestigious races in the United Kingdom and a fine opportunity for milliners and hat lovers from all over the world to see and admire. Royal Ascot is rich in tradition and its history extends back further than other popular races such as the Kentucky Derby.  Royal Ascot was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne and ever since men and women have enjoyed the occasion as an opportunity to indulge in fine attire and beautiful hats.  The meeting consists of 35 races and the most famous is the Ascot Gold Cup, which has been run from 1807 on the third day of the races, in the so-called Ladies Day.

Perhaps because of Ascot’s rich heritage and connections with the British royal family, events at Ascot have always tended to be somewhat formal, with formal attire welcome!  Accordingly, men historically have worn suits and top hats while women can be seen in their finest fashion attire and (of course!) a hat with a diameter that is no less than 10 cm.

Things have changed a lot since the early days at Ascot and headpieces on show have also have evolved to reflect the times, but fascinators are still not allowed in the Royal Enclosure!  Ascot publishes a style guide to assist guests plan their attire << see link here >> (hats should be worn but headpieces are acceptable).

Today outside of the Royal Enclosure a variety of styles and preferences are on display.  For women a hat, headpiece or fascinator should still be worn at all times while for men a black or grey top hat is possible. Their imagination and above all the imagination and the skill of their idols pass through their eyes. Shapes, decorating the fascinator and those colours! If it exists you can see it here. Derby hats are made of all possible materials. When I make derby hats I use sinamay, straw, felt, wool or hats with a cloth.  

Above all I allow myself to be inspired by the fashions of Royal Ascot!!

How are you doing? Have you been to Royal Ascot, or are you planning this year? Send us a picture of a hat that you liked or on the contrary the most bizarre hat you saw there. And what kind of hat did you have? Share it with me, I’ll be looking forward to it.

photos from Google images