Hats may follow horses around the world, from the Kentucky Derby to the Dubai World Cup and the Hong Kong Cup, but nothing tops the … well, toppers at Ascot, founded in 1711 by Queen Anne.
Perhaps it’s because of “My Fair Lady” and the extraordinary black and white lace hat Cecil Beaton created for Eliza Doolittle when she made her Ascot debut.
Or maybe it’s thanks to Queen Elizabeth II, whose twin passions for horses and hats reached their apex at Ascot.
“To err on the side of extravagance as opposed to modesty is a joy for everyone,” said the milliner Stephen Jones, who reported that he once made an Ascot hat out of feathers for Jasmine Guinness, the aristo-model, in the shape of a feathered pinwheel about two feet high.
“There are so few rules in dressing anymore that to dress up is part of the reason for going to Ascot.
Persons:
Queen Anne, ”, Cecil Beaton, Eliza Doolittle, Queen Elizabeth II, Stephen Jones, Jasmine Guinness
Organizations:
Royal Ascot, Kentucky Derby, Dubai, Hong Kong, Ascot
Locations:
Ascot