The 2026 Royal Ascot Millinery Collective

The occasions for when one can wear a fascinator or a bombastic hat are becoming few and far between. Despite somewhat resembling a piece of art, heads at christenings, garden parties and even weddings are looking increasingly bare.

Yet this weekend, at the unveiling of the 2026 Royal Ascot Millinery Collective, the case for headwear was emphatically, nay gloriously restated. A defiant reminder that nothing quite captures the attention like an exquisitely engineered hat.

As a patron of the British Fashion Council, it’s unsurprising that Ascot chose, for the second year, to unveil the latest millinery collection, "Crowning Glory", during London Fashion Week. In an intimate salon-style show, hosted at Claridge’s Hotel, the collection was paraded in a series of poised, close-up vignettes. Models sported monochrome looks, fit with vintage-style A-line dresses – perhaps a nod to the rich history of British millinery.

Among the milliners showing their latest designs were Stephen Jones OBE and Rachel Trevor-Morgan, whose creations have consistently graced royalty and A-list celebrities. They were joined by contemporary international designers and emerging talents: Carol Kennelly, Edwina Ibbotson, Emily Baxendale, Emily Hurst, Filipa Cardoso, Fiona Cooper (Millinery Laa-Laa), Hood London, Jenny Beattie and Vivien Sheriff.

Subtle inspiration was drawn from photographer Cecil Beaton’s theatrical vision, who captured the likes of Marlyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Queen Elizabeth II on camera. 1920s and 1930s glamour was also reflected in the designs, including through sculptural straw work, architectural pillboxes, dramatic picture discs, veils and couture floral headpieces, each interpreting Beaton’s legacy through contemporary techniques.

As a further tribute to the dress code at the Royal Enclosure, Ascot Creative Director Daniel Flatcher presented a series of custom cream trouser suits. As with many of his designs, tailoring was a cornerstone of the collection, the likes of which has previously caught the eyes of A-listers like Nick Jonas, Tilda Swinton, Alexa Chung, Robert Pattinson, Eddie Redmayne and Ncuti Gatwa.

In typical Claridge’s style, the evening was fuelled by canapés and Champagne, to the soundtrack of Kim Turnball, Zara Martin and Pips Taylor’s effortlessly cool DJ sets. It was the ideal backdrop to reaffirm the transformative power of a beautifully designed hat.