Yesterday was Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, the world’s most famous horse race. Steeped in tradition and history, Royal Ascot, held every June, dates back to 1711 and is attended by the English royal family every day. After they arrive in horse drawn carriages, members of the royal family along with their privileged guests, take their seats in the Royal Enclosure, the most sought after pavilion at the races (naturally).
Ascot is a major event event in the British social calendar and to the dismay of some horse enthusiasts, media attention is focused on the fashion. That’s because everyone, particularly in the Royal Enclosure is dressed to the nines - tens even. The dress code there is strict. Men are required to wear full morning dress including a top hat while women must not bare midriffs or shoulders and must eschew fake tans. (Thank goodness! I’ll take pale skin over orange any day.) Most importantly, they must wear hats.
The hats have become the chief weapons in the no holds barred battle for attention from the highest ranks of British society which is what Ladies Day has evolved into. I think the pictures demonstrate that the hats have proved to be very effective tools indeed in the grab for the spotlight, especially when there’s no shortage of money or imagination.
5 Comments
What a spectacle! It’s so nice when people make an effort. I also like that fake tans are discouraged in the royal pavilion.
I’ve been to Royal Ascot before and have no particular interest in going again despite the spectacle of hats. They’re enforcing the dress code more this year but it’s a little too little, a little too late. Ascot, over the years, has degenerated into something pretty tacky in general.
Wow! These hats are fantastic! It’s so great to see what a little chutzpah, imagination (and a healthy budget) can do.
These hats are great and all, but how do youstore them? These women must have really big closets.
oh wow i would love to go one day just to have a look at those hats!! i’ve always seen them in pictures but i’m sure it must be a spectacle when seen up close. that first picture with some cake or something is just… weird though!
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