Missed all of Ascot as was busy working so only had vicarious experience; but a couple of my customers won so it was a good one!
Still staying with shallow crowns and sharp angles the hats are becoming more feminine and elegant and the ‘artful dodger’ look is further relegated.. I have notied how suddenly the large brims and chunky crowns of the last few years now look quite unadventurous.. there is so much more available in millinery
and it is so much more fun to wear … I despair of ladies who come in looking for a large black hat to wear to a summer wedding thinking that for some reason it is a flattering or sophisticated look; Putting a large lump of black straw on your head never flatters anyone, the same with navy. It makes the person look washed out and casts shadows - a good look flatters the face, does not hide it, although some ladies may prefer to hide!!
For ladies hell bent on getting a large black hat - I recommend the High Street…
The trimming under the brim is a pretty look (the only hat I saw from Ascot was Kathryn Jenkins pink Phillip Treacy one (please be aware; there are other milliners) and it had a mass of roses just over her ear, it is a really pretty look.
It is good to be a little experimental, we all love dressing up …. Things I am looking out for next season; The return of the Toque (Queen mother) and Pill Boxes worn at the back of the head (Jackie O)… It is part of a general retro trend circa 1970s.. I confidently predict this and am now rushing off to my studio to start sample pieces!