ROYAL ASCOT FLOWER GIRLS
Racegoers urged to add blooms to their hats ... and wear second-hand clothes too!
IT’S always been an event which sees fashion flourish alongside thrilling horse races.
Now Royal Ascot is turning over a new leaf by encouraging ladies to wear hats and headpieces adorned with stunning clusters of flowers for their big day at the races.
Bosses of the prestigious event in Berkshire are also urging racegoers to attend in second-hand clothes this year.
The five-day meeting in June is traditionally a highlight of the social calendar, with extravagant and expensive designer frocks on display.
But bosses now want spectators to rummage in wardrobes and charity shops for their clothes – or even rent them.
The Ascot Style Guide has a strong theme of floral headgear and says glamorous ‘preloved’ clothes will be the order of the day. Advice issued by the racecourse states: ‘The Royal Meeting is about looking your best – and that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy something new.’
Last year’s meeting was held behind closed doors due to the pandemic. This year’s event, from June 15 to 19, will require face masks to be worn and numbers of spectators will be as low as 4,000 a day – down from the usual 60,000.
The focus on nearly new and vintage wear was created with British stylist Bay Garnett, a pioneer of ‘thrifting’.
She said: ‘This is exactly the sort of event that can change the perception around secondhand clothes.’ Outfits worn by models in the style guide include Chanel, Gucci and Prada from sources such as eBay and charities.
Celebrities and fashion experts helped to launch the style guide in London this week by posing in stunning headpieces and frocks.