For the first time in its history, the Royal Ascot will go ahead behind closed doors.
We have not been strangers to the virtual FOTF competitions that have taken place across the country, with ladies and men raiding their wardrobes to create new looks and taking photos from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
This year the Royal Ascot is not only hosting its own Fashion competition, but also a charity millinery auction, showcasing the work of some of the top milliners from around the UK.
What an exciting exhibition of hats and unique craftsmanship from so many different milliners, giving them (and us) something to look forward to and be a part of, in a time which would usually be the busiest time of their work calendars.
One of the 44 chosen milliners is someone we are quite familiar with over here in Australia, Ana Pribylova from Ana Bella Millinery.
Ana often jetsets to Australia for Spring Carnival to enter in the Myer Millinery Competition, which she has been a finalist for three years running. Her signature mirrored headpieces are always a showstopper and grab a lot of attention from the crowds.
Ana has also won three consecutive titles at the Dubai World Cup for her Millinery and elegant style.
Ana has been kind enough to tell us a little bit about the Royal Ascot Millinery Auction and share some behind the scenes details about her magnificent rainbow mirrored hat!
Tell me about the Royal Ascot Millinery Auction?
Royal Ascot Racecourse and the British Hat Guild, spearheaded by the legendary Stephen Jones OBE, have invited leading milliners in the UK to create a bespoke hat or headpiece featuring a rainbow theme, in-line with the nation’s use of rainbows to thank the NHS (similar to Medicare medical system in Australia) and frontline workers.
Royal Ascot (Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th June 2020) will take place behind closed doors for the first time in the event’s history due to Covid-19 Pandemic.
In recognition of those working on the frontline of the global Covid-19 crisis, Royal Ascot has launched the #StyledWithThanks charity appeal, and part of this campaign, is a Millinery auction, where hats and headpieces in rainbow colours have been donated by Milliners. Hats will be auctioned online throughout the week of ‘Royal Ascot At Home’ with all money raised being added to the charity fund.
The auction begins at 9am Tuesday 16th June 2020. To find out more information on how you can bid, check out the Terms and conditions. To go straight to the Millinery auction and check out the hats on offer, visit https://fundraising-auctions.bid/auction/ascot/styledwiththanks/
Where did your design inspiration come from? Were you tossing up between a few designs or was this hat the plan from the start?
This year I was chosen to showcase my millinery in the Royal Ascot Style guide 2020, one of which was the silver halo mirror piece. The guide was released, and at that point I think it was two weeks before the world went into pandemic lock down- well the UK did. It was a bit unclear if Royal Ascot was to go ahead, and I know it saddened so many as it’s always such a spectacular event to showcase hats and fashion.
After cancelling the event for the public, Royal Ascot asked me to be part of the first Royal Ascot Millinery Auction for Charity, with a rainbow theme hat design. Instantly I thought the original silver piece which was showcased in the Style Guide, lent itself to a rainbow shape, perfect! So I thought this was a great opportunity to take advantage of using so many wonderful colours in this design- something I would have never done before.
How long did it take to make this hat?
It took about 3 days, between cutting over 200 mirror pieces, waiting for glue to cure and also making the base shape of the hat, I also sculpted the hat block which the halo was made on.
What was involved in making the hat?
I had to make sure before I started that I was able to get all the materials for the rainbow halo I had envisioned, especially the different colours of glass- that was going to be a challenge. Because of the pandemic, getting materials had longer postage times.
Royal Ascot had only given us a week to make the hat, and then another week to get the hat photographed- so when you’re in isolation, you have to become all parts of the band, milliner, photographer, lighting expert all while working from home… and the clock was ticking.
I quickly realised a week was not long enough for any glass to be ordered, so I went on the hunt for all the colours of the rainbow from previous projects in my studio…lucky I hardly throw anything away, who knew that I had so many colours of the rainbow glass in my own studio!!! phew!!!!
So then I got on with cutting the mirror pieces for the halo, over 200 of them, shaping/making the base over my handmade halo hat block, covering the base in cobalt/neon blue, and then arranging the colours of mirrors on it to make the rainbow.
I have never worked with so many colours before, normally my pieces are made in monochrome, so the pattern of how I laid each mirror piece down was different. It is a time consuming piece to make, but the satisfaction in the end is so worth it, it casts the prettiest of mirror coloured sparkles, and always makes me smile- it’s also easy to wear, being a halo it’s so comfortable.
How has the Royal Ascot going ahead behind closed doors affected you as a milliner?
Initially I thought that the event was going to be cancelled all together. I didn’t think that the world, and the UK would have gone into complete isolation for about 3 months… I was truly saddened because Royal Ascot is a highlight on any racing fashion enthusiasts calendar as well as it’s the busiest time of year, in the UK for milliners, so my order book was totally bare.
But Royal Ascot and their marketing team have really, in a very short amount of time – about two or three months, been able to put some amazing fashion features together, like the #styledwiththanks campaign competition and the millinery auction. It’s given milliners, and attendees something to look forward to during isolation, and also put some orders back on my books!
So for me, it’s made me happy that we can still all take part of the fashion again…But I realize it must have been quite a feat, normally I assume planning for each Royal Ascot would take all year- so- congratulations, and thanks for giving us a little of our Royal Ascot fashion experience back.
Personally for my millinery business, during the pandemic, and all the cancelled events, weddings and orders, the silver lining is that I have been able to concentrate on getting my website ready for a new hire collection, as well as clean my studio… that really needed to happen… it also helped me find all those rainbow pieces of glass too!
I am hopeful for the future, and I’m sure racing fashion won’t change, ladies always want to be fabulous and stylish whether at home or at the track, you can’t stop us flaunting a great hat and beautiful outfits, even if it’s from home. Take care- and enjoy the first ever Royal Ascot millinery auction.
Ana- Milliner Ana Bella Millinery
LIV HEADBANDS 💗❤️ $110
Elegant and easy to wear headbands in a variety of colours for all occasions all year round.
Padded headbands covered in Lycra with matching horizontal pleated crin.
Once size fits all.
Available at ...
Mar 15
Crystal ✨ $150
Beautiful feathers on this headband
Perfect colour for any time of the year
All hand made
A one off piece.
.
.
.
...
Mar 15
ESPRESSO MARTINI 🍸 $380 AU
Neutral and black. Perfect for derby day or any occasion. Classic elegant style Comfortable and easy to wear.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554376
.
.
.
...
Mar 15
Pink Silk & Feathers 💗 US$285
Pink silk teardrop beret with light pink feathers.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554367
.
.
.
...
Mar 15
Black Felt Crown with Swirl 🖤 $450
Black felt crown with swirl overlaid with white, 3-D mesh.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554384
.
.
.
...
Mar 15
EVIE✨ $295
Gorgeous, elegant and quirky is this Bottle Green Fur Felt Bandeau.
Green bandeau covered in shiny black diamante' mesh, softly falling down on left hand side of the face, just adding a little extra. A beautiful Green bow also covered in black diamante' mesh,...
Mar 15
CHIC🤍🖤 $450
Stunning and very Elegant is "Chic" a Vintage Beret in black fur felt. Sits tilted on the right hand side and bow on the left softly around the face.
The Large structured wired Bow is in the most gorgeous hounds tooth material that shimmers in the light,...
Mar 15
REBECCA💚 $150
Beautiful green Australian wool face hugger fascinator
All hand stitched no glue used
Comes with headband for comfort on head
Perfect for the autumn to winter races
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554379
.
.
.
...
Mar 15
Jeannie- Ruby Red ❤️ $410 AUD
Stunning Vintage Fur Felt Ruby Red beret , is sure to turn heads.
Trimmed with Gold chain around the crown, Ruby veiling softly swept around the face, finished with two side bows and a beautiful antique Owl brooch
Perfect any Winter ...
Mar 15
Cherry Blossom 🌸 $275
Translucent Cherry blossoms in pink and yellow. Baby pink stamens, all set upon a metallic gold wrapped headband. Gorgeous from every angle.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554323
.
.
.
...
Feb 2
Dililah crown 👑 $175
Whimsical shades of rose gold and pastel pink hand cut metallic flowers floating above one of my iconic sparkly jeweled crowns. *Kenzie stud earrings sold separately.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/553467
.
.
.
...
Feb 2
Starburst ⭐️💫 $395
Stunning Pale Orange Parisisal headband with beautiful hand dyed and wired yellow guipure lace flower, also a hand cut Peach metallic flower and diamante' sitting in the middle finished with two curled peach quills.
This gorgeous piece is divine from ...
Feb 2
Mandarin Marvel $295 🍃
This piece looks good enough to eat 🍊🤤
Orange/Mandarin transparent coloured flowers together with beautiful mint green leaves, which have all been hand embossed. Pearl and gold centres with a gold metallic thread wrapped headband. Altogether ...
Feb 2
Beaded Headbands $80 🤍
Available in 👉🏻
Vivid Orange
Lilac
Pearl
Turquoise
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554235
.
.
.
...
Jan 16
Lucy Bow Bandeau 🤍❤️ $310
This Gorgeous Parisisal Red Bandeau sits the most stunning vintage Cream structured Bow.
Perfect for all occasions
One size fits all and finished with a comb and elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554276
...
Jan 16
Red and Pink feather halo ❤️💗❤️ $500
Amazing halo style, made with tiny feather tips.
The front colour combination is reversed on the back of the halo
Teal and white quills and a touch of beading.
The halo is made on a light gold wire multi layer ...
Jan 16
Magenta Magic ✨ $295
Magenta ....The Pantone colour of 2023. This beautiful front facing percher in Magenta Sinamay, adorned with iridescent flowers in deep wine and gold. A single raffia wrapped quill adds the finishing touch.
Available at ...
Jan 16
Black Magic 🪄 $325
Front facing percher in black sinamay with mesh overlay. Fine black tulle brim completes this stand out headpiece.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554253
Jan 16
Gold 3D Percher 💫 $550
Hand woven gold 3D percher with a peephole.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554294
.
.
.
...
Jan 16
Venus Leather Headpiece ❤️ $149
The Venus Headpiece is hand crafted from layers of individually cut, wired and shaped leather leaves in a bright red tone. Secured to a leather covered wire headband and designed to frame the face.
Available at ...
Jan 16
Musk Rose Headband 💐 $260
Musk Rose Headband - Such a soft delicate headband in musk pink sinamay with hand cut roses in white, cream and tipped with burgundy. Twisted quills add some height.
On a velvet wrapped headband, for comfortable all day wear.
Available at ...
Jan 16
Sunny Leather Headpiece☀️ $149
Hand cut and shaped yellow leather leaves on a leather covered halo headband.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554216
.
.
.
...
Jan 16
Hepburn jewelled Halo 💙 $100/wk
Baby Blue blocked halo with silver & blue jewels.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554288
.
.
.
...
Jan 12
Hepburn Halo with red & gold jewels 🤎❤️ $110/wk rental
Latte coloured blocked halo headpiece adorned with red & gold jewels.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554289
.
.
.
...
Jan 12
Hepburn Halo - Yellow with jewels💛 $100/wk rental
Gorgeous blocked yellow Halo style hat/headpiece
Adorned with yellow, green & gold embellishments.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554287
.
.
.
...
Jan 12
Funky Ruby Fedora ❤️ $320
Funky Ruby Fedora - Ruby red parisisal straw with a wide sweeping hand sculpted sinamay brim. A simple black egret feather trim is all that is needed to finish this piece off.
As the block is not a usual head fit, this is on a headband for a secure and...
Jan 10
YELLOW BANDEAU ☀️ $100/week rental
This Gorgeous Parisisal Yellow Bandeau is covered with exquisite diamante mesh,the stunning large Cream vintage bow sits on the right side finished with a yellow centre also covered in diamante mesh.
This beautiful piece will sparkle in the ...
Jan 10
Pink Feather Vine 💓 $350
Hand made Pink feather flowers on a vine mounted on a small black lattice over pink, half bandeau base secured by elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554277
Jan 10
🔹Summer Blues🔹$375 AU
Baby blue straw fedora crown is surrounded by a handwired tulle covered brim, metallic blue braid adds the final finish. This piece has something for everyone.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554286
.
.
.
...
Jan 10
Claire Headbands 🧡💛❤️💚💙🖤
$110 each
Which colour is your favourite?🌈
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554132
.
.
.
...
Oct 12
Harlow 🧡 $240
A hand-blocked orange vintage cellophane base, featuring a matching orange veiling adorned with peach stamens for added texture and interest.
Designed to be worn angled forward and off-centre, secure it in place with the attached hat elastic.
Available at ...
Oct 12
FREYA 💜 $240
A hand-blocked bandeau of buntal straw, she's adorned with a matching large handmade leather bow.
She has two small metal combs to secure her in place along with a hat elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554175
.
.
...
Oct 12
NUDE BOW 🎀 $150
A nude/ blush colored silk abaca bow on a headband with pearl trim.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554192
.
.
.
...
Oct 12
DERBY DAY HATS 🖤🤍🖤
Derby day is just weeks away! Have you got your race day hat?
Check out our range of hats available for rent or buy.
SWIPE across to see a collection of our favourite black and white hats!
.
.
.
...
Oct 10
GREEN FLOWER TRAIL 💚 $250
Green flower trail- fitted to a tulle covered narrow headband. Can be worn on either side of the head.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554189
.
.
.
...
Oct 9
WILLOW $320
Hand blocked in para sisal and buntal straw, this handmade hat is a head turner. Her coordinating colours of yellow, blue and teal give her versatility and make her perfect for spring.
Secure her in place with the attached hat elastic.
Available at ...
Oct 9
Gold Headband 🤎 $180
Hold fabric covered slightly padded headband trimmed with a diamanté bow.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554190
.
.
.
...
Oct 6
PEARL HEADBANDS 💫 $99 each
PINK GLITTER PEARLS 💓
BLACK & GOLD PEARLS 🖤💛
PERFECT PEARLS 🤍
All available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554177
.
.
.
...
Oct 6
🌹 RED ROSE 🌹 $250
Red roses fitted to a tulle covered narrow headband with a small comb.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554185
.
.
.
...
Oct 6
Lavender flower headpiece 💗 $280
Handmade lavender silk flowers atop a headband with veil detailing.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554187
Oct 6
Black & Gold Embellished Wide Blocked Halo Headband - Zoe 🖤 $320
A black wide headband measuring 6cm high, covered in a textured black metallic mesh and embellished with gold hand pressed metal flower detailing.
One size fits all.
This purchase includes a ...
Oct 6
Big Pinky 💓 $200
Big pink floppy hat. A Classic style hat
Match back to many outfits
Standard head size comes with elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554143
.
.
.
...
Oct 4
Purple & Pink Leather Hat - Charlène
$300 💜
A deep dink Italian leather hat in a block design exclusive to Reuben & Rose Millinery with a lilac lace overlay. Adorned with a lightweight purple beaded flower detailing and a purple quill.
Attached with hat elastic for...
Oct 4
OLIVIA SAUCER $620 🖤🤍🖤
The Olivia Saucer is a pitched shape in a buntal straw edged with textured white vintage braid and lush silk poppy flowers. This style is one size fits all and is secured to the head with a shaped base, elastic and comb.
This piece is part of the ...
Oct 4
The most beautiful flower headpieces have just been listed to @millinerymarket created by @uniqueblossomsbyt 😍💓🌸🌺💐
Four floral styles listed- swipe across and comment your favourite 💓
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554156
.
.
.
...
Oct 4
Layla Pink Floral Pillbox 💓 $620
Layla is a fun and playful pillbox shape in pale pink straw and is adorned with hat made metallic and beaded flowers.
The headpiece comes in other colours or can be custom-made in various colours. Contact us to find out more about customising ...
Oct 4
MAYA ❤️ $200
A hand-blocked buntal straw skull cap, Maya features a veiled feather vine that can be manipulated to the wearer's content.
Secure her in place with the attached hat elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554176
.
.
...
Oct 4