At her London studio, Merve Bayindir meticulously adorns a pale pink saucer hat with delicate dried flowers, surrounded by a vibrant collection of her headpieces. The Turkish-born milliner is focused on preparing hats for the upcoming Royal Ascot racing event, a significant occasion where headwear plays a crucial role.
Bayindir expressed her enthusiasm, describing Royal Ascot as “the biggest runway” comparable to the Oscars or the Golden Globes for milliners. The horse racing event, which runs from June 17 for five days just outside London, has garnered fame not just for its racing but also for its stunning fashion displays.
Each enclosure at Royal Ascot has its own dress code, with the royal enclosure imposing the strictest requirements. “You must have a hat with a minimum diameter of ten centimeters,” Bayindir reminds, noting that for attendees of the royal enclosure, traditional hats are preferred over smaller fascinators often worn on bands or clips.
Colorwise, Bayindir indicates that themes of pale pink and blue recur yearly, while shades like fuchsia, sage green, and lilac have risen in popularity. She encourages wearers to embrace bold choices: “It doesn’t matter who you are, you can be the star and take that chance and be outrageous,” emphasizing the event’s lively atmosphere.
Royal Ascot is not only a celebration of horse racing and fashion but also a platform for self-expression, allowing attendees to showcase their creativity and personality through their headwear.
This sentiment aligns yet again with ongoing conversations in the fashion world about the importance of individuality and artistic expression, reflecting a hopeful trend toward embracing creativity in public spaces—reminding us that events like Royal Ascot can bring joy and inspiration to designers and fans alike.
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