Royal Ascot Millinery Collective: Hats & Headpieces for 2026
The Royal Ascot Millinery Collective unveiled its 2026 collection yesterday, , at an intimate show held at London’s Claridge’s hotel, setting the stage for the upcoming racing season and solidifying its position as a key event on the fashion calendar. The showcase, now in its 11th year, draws inspiration from the glamour of the past while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of headwear design.
This year’s collection, under the creative direction of British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher, pays homage to the theatrical storytelling of photographer Cecil Beaton and the aesthetic of the 1920s and 30s high society. The designs, presented salon-style in a color-blocked tableau, range from delicate bridal pillboxes to dramatic, hand-feathered fascinators, showcasing a diverse spectrum of craftsmanship and creativity. A particular standout, as described by Vogue, included a “swoosh of silver straw and grey taffeta” and a “lavender floral creation.”
The Royal Ascot has long been a focal point for fashion, evolving from the Victorian era’s puffed silhouettes and porter bonnets to the bolder styles of the Swinging Sixties. More recently, the event has embraced sharp tailoring and even top hats and tails for women, demonstrating a willingness to adapt while maintaining its reputation for elegance. With around 275,000 attendees each year, the five-day horse racing event is a significant cultural moment, and the Millinery Collective plays a crucial role in defining its visual identity.
The collective brings together both established and emerging milliners, providing a platform for innovation and celebrating the artistry of hat-making. This year’s lineup included industry veterans like Stephen Jones OBE, known for his work with Princess Diana and Rihanna, as well as his ongoing role as head milliner for Christian Dior since 1992. Alongside Jones, the showcase featured the talents of Rachel Trevor-Morgan, whose designs have graced the heads of royalty and celebrities, Carol Kennelly, Edwina Ibbotson, Emily Baxendale, Emily Hurst, Filipa Cardoso, Fiona Cooper of Millinery Laa-Laa, Hood London, Jenny Beattie, and Vivien Sheriff. Notably, Emily Hurst is the inaugural recipient of a new bursary from the King’s Foundation, Royal Ascot, and Chanel, highlighting a commitment to supporting emerging talent.
The event drew a notable crowd, including actress Kelly Osbourne and Bridgerton actor Martins Imhangbe, alongside author Yomi Adegoke and model Charli Howard. The presence of figures like Virginia Bates, an actor and antique shop proprietor, and award-winning furniture designer Aaron Dunkerton, known for his innovative clothes horse design, underscored the event’s appeal to a broad range of creative luminaries. Couture milliner Victoria Grant also made a statement, sporting a gold beret adorned with a flashing “CHAMPAGNE” sign.
The Royal Ascot Millinery Collective isn’t simply a fashion show. it’s a reflection of British craftsmanship and a celebration of a unique sartorial tradition. As a patron of the British Fashion Council, the event actively supports the industry and provides a vital platform for milliners to showcase their skills. The collection’s inspiration from Cecil Beaton’s work speaks to a desire to connect with the past while forging a new path forward, ensuring that the Royal Ascot continues to be a masterclass in elegant dressing for years to come.
The unveiling of the 2026 collection comes ahead of the racing meet in June, offering racegoers a glimpse of the styles that are expected to dominate the event. The designs are certain to inspire attendees, who are expected to adhere to the Royal Enclosure Dress Code while expressing their individual creativity through sculptural hats and architectural headpieces. The Millinery Collective’s influence extends beyond the racetrack, setting trends and shaping the broader landscape of occasionwear.
The event’s continued success, as evidenced by its 11th year and the high-profile attendance at the Claridge’s showcase, demonstrates the enduring appeal of both the Royal Ascot and the art of millinery. With a focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and a nod to the past, the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective is poised to remain a cornerstone of the British fashion scene.