The cancellation of Royal Ascot did not come as a surprise to us sadly, as we learnt of this unfortunate information during week 2 of Lock down. There were talks of virtual racing going ahead but the actual glorious British event was sadly cancelled this year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Such a shame for everyone; for us, the milliners we collaborate with, the guests and the huge amount of industry it creates with everyone from the horse trainers through to the TV crews, through to the drinks companies and the hair stylists etc. For many businesses, like ours, Royal Ascot is their bread and butter.
Here is my quote in the Telegraph - it felt good to be called upon for an opinion about this event and at such a sad time it gave me a personal lift.
My main point, which I still truly believe in, is ' imagine what next year's Royal Ascot will be like!? ' I imagine It will be a huge celebration!. I personally can't wait and really will appreciate the freedom and luxury of being able to attend these events when this whole crisis is over. I have missed the British countryside, I have missed being sociable and meeting with my friends and my industry buddies. I have certainly missed my clients, and the buzz and theatre around Royal Ascot and the adrenalin it gives me each year in the run-up to the event. And for sure, I have missed the dressing up. A dress, a beautiful one, some divine heels, a beautiful piece of millinery. I will be there next year ready to raise the roof and celebrate in style.
Attached is our Mirabel dress. Created especially for this year's
Royal Ascot - a stand out piece which was chosen by Royal Ascot to feature as a key item for the Royal Enclosure. Edwina Ibbotson and I designed the hat together to create the ultimate ' Breton' for the season. We called it the Whirligig. Inspiration from a retro funfair. Crafted and stitched by hand in Pinopok.