Though we're only just venturing into summer, weddings and Royal Ascot will arrive before we know it, therefore there's no time like the present to get shopping for a haute new hat.
If you have no idea where to start with style, fear not: "You must think about the occasion because a hat for a wedding is very different from a hat for the races, where you can have more fun with the design," millinery expert Jane Taylor previously told H! Fashion.
Millinery, the art of hat-making, has long been a staple of race-day fashion, especially at events like Royal Ascot. Originating in the 16th century, the term 'milliner' referred to merchants from Milan who sold fine goods, including hats.
Over time, hats evolved from practical accessories to bold fashion statements. At the races, elaborate headwear became a symbol of status and elegance. Today, race-day millinery blends tradition with creativity, showcasing intricate designs, feathers, and vibrant colours.
Discover the best designer millinery brands to know below and head into racing season in serious style.
Awon Golding
When it comes to finding the ideal hat to suit a formal occasion, there's not a lot thatAwon Golding doesn't know.
The creator of handmade hats and bridal headpieces "that inspire and empower women," she is Head Millinery designer at the esteemed British heritage brandLock & Co., the world’s oldest hat shop. A favourite of the royals her hats have graced the heads of; the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex, Dita Von Teese, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gagaand Betty Bachz to name but a few.
Phillip Treacy
Irish milliner Phillip Treacy's reputation exceeds him - from becoming became the first milliner in eighty years to be invited to exhibit at the Paris haute couture week in 2000, to winning British Accessory Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards five times.
His pieces are a British royal favourite, one of his most notable designs was Princess Beatrice's iconic pretzel hat that she wore to Prince William and Princess Kate's wedding in 2011.
© GettyEmily London Headwear
© GettyEmily Baxendale, the Founder and Creative Director of Emily London, trained with the Royal Milliner before launching her brand in 2014
The label offers all kinds of hair accessories, headbands to Panama Hats, which are handmade by the specialist Headwear team in the London studio. They also provide a fully Bespoke Service throughout the year.
Laura Cathcart
In 2017, eponymous brand founder Laura was chosen as the official milliner for Royal Ascot as part of the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective, so we trust she knows a thing or two about occasion headwear.
She trained at the London College of Fashion and further developed her eye for designs working as an interior designer with Colefax & Fowler in London. After learning her craft working for milliner Gina Foster, Laura set up her boutique in 2011.
© GettyJess Collett
© GettyJess Collett has been a couture milliner for over 25 years, establishing an impressive roster of clients including Princess Eugenie, Pippa Middleton, Georgia Toffilo and Helena Bonham Carter, to name a few.
Each couture piece - from hats to headbands and fascinators, is carefully designed and handmade by Jess in her Notting Hill studio. She also offers a hiring service.
Stephen Jones
Liverpudlian Stephen Jones credits Princess Diana for putting him on the map, after wearing one of his designs.
In the 1970s, he was a student at Central St Martins, and on his website explains that in the evenings, dark he was a style-blazer at the legendary Blitz nightclub, always wearing a striking hat he designed himself. Stephen Jones has collaborated with designers from Vivienne Westwood to Thom Browne and Christian Dior.
© GettyJane Taylor London
© GettyBefore establishing her eponymous label in 2003, Jane secured an embroidery degree at Manchester Art School, then went on to study Millinery at Chelsea & Kensington College. She then trained with the late Marie O’Regan, the late Queen Elizabeth II's milliner.
Jane Taylor London has become synonymous with stylish and elegant hats and headpieces. Her designs have adorned the heads of the globe's most illustrious names, from Beyoncé to the Princess of Wales.
Eugenia Kim
One of our favourite milliners on the market, Eugenia Kim is celebrated for her contemporary twist on timeless hat styles, often incorporating vibrant colours, striking contrasts, and eye-catching embellishments.
In 2015, she launched the widely loved 'Do Not Disturb' sun hats, which quickly became a hit among fashion influencers and gained significant popularity across Instagram.
Today, her designs champion sleek modernism, fusing My Fair Ladysilhouettes with contemporary colourways. Beyoncé is a fan - and so are we.
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