“The Royal Ascot Millinery Collective has always aimed to inspire racegoers to explore the wonderful world of millinery and support some of the industry’s greatest talents, and this year’s edition is no exception. The 12 designers selected for 2024 have created bespoke hats that reflect their signature styles, utilising innovative crafting methods and designs, combined with sustainable practices to bring them to life. And they’ve done a brilliant job!
Industry veterans and the next generation of millinery creatives from around the globe have joined forces to inspire racing style for the summer season in unexpected ways. These milliners have seen their work adorn the heads of icons and royalty, and it has been an honour to work alongside them to curate this collection and witness their creations come to life. There is no other occasion where hat-wearing plays such a significant role in dressing, so I hope the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective 2024 will provide all the inspiration needed to elevate your hat game this summer.”
Daniel FletcherCHERRY ON TOP
jesscollettmilliner.com | @jesscollettmilliner
£2,200
London, UK
Jess Collett Milliner declares, “Every day is a hat day for me!” Her style blends colour experimentation with a soft, elegant touch. She welcomes bespoke hat commissions, emphasising the sky is the limit when it comes to design. Influenced by vintage themes and emotions, inspired by historical movements such as Art Deco, her hats exude character and charm. Jess aims for both grandeur and comfort in her Ascot hat designs, offering a fully consultative approach to help you embody confidence and creativity.
THE BLUE NOTE
harlemsheaven.com | @harlemsheavenhats
$699
New York, USA
Harlem’s Heaven Millinery, as depicted by Evetta, celebrates a signature style rooted in passion for unconventional materials and upcycling. Inspired by the fashion of the roaring 20s and the vibrant energy of the Harlem Renaissance, Evetta’s influences are deeply intertwined with the allure of flapper girls. Reflecting on her designs, Evetta likens a great hat to good music, emphasising the special relationship between the Harlem community, hats, and Jazz. Her gramophone-inspired headpiece, ‘The Blue Note,’ embodies the magical melody of Jazz and Blues, flowing with drama and whimsy.
GO!
stephenjonesmillinery.com | @stephenjonesmillinery
£690
London, UK
Stephen Jones Millinery, as described by Stephen himself, embodies a style that is “light-hearted but elegant,” reflecting a delicate balance between whimsy and refinement in wearable artistry. Drawing inspiration from Wales, his designs this season are influenced by the vibrant red hue symbolising the Welsh Dragon, evoking cultural heritage and majestic landscapes. Reflecting on his latest design, Stephen reimagines the timeless top hat with a light, fresh touch, blending sophistication with modernity and breezy elegance. He advises starting the search early and purchasing the dress first before selecting the hat.
JACQUELINE VIOLETTA
alisontod.co.uk | @alisontod
£3,450
Abergavenny, Wales
Alison Tod Millinery embodies bold elegance, drawing from a rich tapestry of influences. Alison believes in embracing color juxtapositions, merging romanticism with avant-garde pioneers like Dior, Chanel, and Schiaparelli. Inspired by Royal Ascot, her design pays homage to Queen Elizabeth II with royal racing colors. Despite advocating comfort, Alison reflects on the French saying, “on doit souffrir pour être belle” — one must suffer to be beautiful — prioritizing staying true to oneself and remaining open to expert guidance. Alison Tod Millinery celebrates individuality and timeless elegance.
CAGE VEILED COCKTAIL HAT
noelstewart.com | @noelstewart
£470
London, UK
“Noel Stewart Millinery embodies my passion for the unconventional and undiscovered,” reflects Noel, “where freshness meets chic, graphic designs infused with sensuality.” Embracing the future’s endless possibilities, he sees innovation thriving within a tapestry of potential outcomes. Inspired by avant-garde fashion and the eclectic sounds of Roxy Music, Noel’s creations are daring and original. He advises individuals to explore and research milliners whose styles resonate with them, recommending visits to establishments or department stores to try on hats and understand how designs complement personal looks.
JANAAH
evelynmcdermott.com | @evelynmcdermottmillinery £650
Dubai, UAE
“Evelyn McDermott Millinery blends sophistication with innovative elegance,” says Evelyn, describing her approach. She draws inspiration from Dubai’s cultural heritage, infusing modern interpretations with Victorian opulence. Reflecting on her designs, Evelyn highlights a hat embodying freedom and inclusivity in tranquil purple hues. “Accessories play a crucial role in pulling the look together,” she advises, emphasising the hat as the statement piece. Planning for Royal Ascot is essential, with early consultations and fittings ensuring a complementary outfit. Collaborating closely with a milliner guarantees maximum impact and a personalised ensemble.
PAPILLON AVEC ROSE
edwinaibbotson.co.uk | @edwinaibbotson
£2,455
London, UK
Edwina Ibbotson Millinery, as described by Edwina herself, tailors each piece to individuals or events, occasionally drawing inspiration from dreams translated into unique sketches. Her signature style, she articulates, is “a celebration of femininity through captivating silhouettes, inviting individuals to embrace elegance.” Creative influences stem from nature, architecture, and life’s tapestry. Reflecting on the design process, Edwina recalls drawing from a previous creation, employing wire techniques for structure and allure. She recommends planning ahead for event commissions, experimenting with shapes and sizes, and trusting instincts while collaborating with a milliner. Allowing ample time for crafting and relying on the milliner’s expertise is crucial for the perfect fit.
HUZZAH
awongolding.com | @awongolding
£725
London, UK
Golding herself describes her creations as “playful yet practical,” resonating on a personal level to bring joy and confidence to the wearer. Her multicultural heritage - rooted in Hong Kong, India, and the UK - infuses her designs with Asian elegance and British sophistication. “Awon Golding Millinery is more than just hats; it’s a celebration of cultural diversity and personal expression. Each piece is a reflection of my own journey and heritage, infused with a touch of magic and a dash of audacity.” Inspired by the bicorne hat, her creation, named Huzzah, marries military tradition with contemporary flair. When seeking a hat for Royal Ascot, Golding encourages individuals to visit a milliner to try on as many hats as possible to determine what suits best.
HARLOW
carolkennellymillinery.com | @carol_kennelly
895 EUR
Co. Kerry, Ireland
Carol Kennelly Millinery is renowned for its decadent jewelling, intricate beadwork, and vintage-inspired designs that embrace modern whimsy, as Carol herself describes. Immersed in cinematic history, Carol draws inspiration from Hollywood’s golden age, guiding her designs towards the epitome of glamour. Elegance intertwines with frivolity in her creations, adorned in luxurious fabrics and opulent details evoking drama and allure. Her headpieces embody whimsical movement, with striped ostrich plumes gracefully sweeping to tantalise onlookers. Carol advises letting personality shine through in headwear choices, emphasising authenticity to set individuals apart.
HYPNOTICA
tursi.art | @ _______tursi_______
£2,320
London, UK
Nikole Tursi Millinery traces its origins to the Teatro Colón Opera House in Argentina. “I discovered my love for the stage,” Nikole reflects, “seamlessly blending opera’s grandeur with inventive millinery techniques.” She finds inspiration in materials, each with unique potential, sparking her creative process. Guided by a vision sparked by the prominence of silver, she explores connections to achieve deconstructed elegance, infusing movement into her designs. Her recommendation emphasises finding a headpiece that complements personal style, resonating with individuality and unique aesthetic, urging wearers to trust their instincts and choose pieces that truly represent them.
ASTRIA
janetaylorlondon.com | @jtmillinery
£5,225
London, UK
Jane Taylor London Millinery, as expressed by Jane herself, epitomises timeless elegance. Crafted using heritage couture methods, her pieces blend feminine charm with ageless appeal. Drawing inspiration from diverse eras, Jane integrates colours, textures, and themes into contemporary trends. Her designs often feature minimalist lines with modern twists, such as crystals on soft tulle and sleek knots. Advising meticulous planning, Jane recommends coordinating hats with attire for a personalised look, prioritising elegance in high fashion. As Jane affirms, “Elegance reigns supreme over novelty.”
REINVENTION
rafapeinador.com | @rafa_peindador
£950
London, UK
Rafa Peinador Millinery, as expressed by Rafa himself, defies the notion of a signature style, embracing fashion-forward, unique creations infused with unexpected fun. He emphasises continuous creative evolution, inspired by travel and emotional memories from Spain and Italy. Reflecting on his latest design, Rafa focuses on fluid fashion, aiming to break gender stereotypes and promote inclusivity. His recommendation urges finding a milliner whose style resonates, prioritising personalised attention throughout the design process. As Rafa emphasises, “Find a milliner who invests time understanding your preferences.”
CREDITS
Stylist & Creative Direction
Daniel Fletcher @danielwfletcher / @d_w_fletcher
Photographer
David Vail @davidvail_
Makeup Artist
Jane Richardson @citizenjanes
Hair Stylist
Abra Kennedy @abrakennedy
Models
Mansi @mansisii
Stephanie @stephaniemariahall
