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
FUCHSIA- Swirled with Veil Crinoline Headpiece 💕💜💕 US$250
This piece is blocked with hand dyed toro on a peaked, oblong vintage block. Base measures 7" x 5" and is lined with matching fuchsia silk. The swirled crinoline design and veil are made with hand dyed crinoline in...
Jan 27
FIFI - Multi Colored Crinoline Button Beret🌈🧑🏼🎨
A super cute button style headpiece in a structured beret style. It is made from strips of custom dyed crinoline sewn together as a fabric. Lightweight and easy to wear, it measures 7" in diameter, and 3" tall and will...
Jan 26
Just listed 😍❤️ Rogue Twist Boater $120/wk
Striking red parisisal boater with ever size twist know trim. $120/wk hire available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552580
@millinerymarket
@keeganmaemillinery
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Jan 23
Just listed 😍❤️ Rogue Twist Boater $120/wk
Striking red parisisal boater with ever size twist know trim. $120/wk hire available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552580
@millinerymarket
@keeganmaemillinery
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Jan 23
Reggie Ribbon Headband ❤️🎀 $99
Red petersham ribbon halo on a pink velvet headband with baby pink pearls is the perfect for any occasion💞 $99 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552571
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Jan 20
Pink or Red?😍❤️💖
High Society 💓 $289
Vibrant pink leather halo with hand crafted pink leather roses and trimmed with pink crinoline and leather swirls. Secured with a headband.
A Touch of Class $75❤️
Red parisisal headpiece with hand crafted red feather ...
Jan 17
Pink and Mint statement headpiece💞 $320
A statement headpiece in fabulous colour combination Pink and Mint!
* Headpiece is to be positioned at the centre of the head, placed forward to sit over the forehead for a secure fit.
* Handblocked pink straw circular base with ...
Jan 17
Beige Leather Turban Knot Headband 🤍 $170
Beige turban knot style headband in beautiful soft leather, this fabulous turban style is so very stylish and easy to wear.
* Perfect for any fashionable elegant occasion, during any season.
* Beige colour – perfect versatile ...
Jan 14
Green Sinamay Bow 💚🎀 $180
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552546
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Jan 12
✨Just listed✨ what a magnificent shape- a show stopping hat!
Swept Away $250
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552547
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@millinerymarket @wendywhitemillinery ...
Jan 12
Leather Crown in Pearlescent Pink💕 $295
Beautiful leather crown in pearlescent pale dusty pink. Handcrafted and hand painted leather flowers. $295 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552529
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Jan 11
Bright Top Hat 🧡💗💙 $350
Bright orange top hat with hand dyed silk flowers and trim. $350 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552531-bright-top-hat
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Jan 10
Large Brimmed Hat with Statement Silk Trim 💙💛💚 $250
Large brim with fringed edge. Buntal Straw. Orange, natural and teal green. Large teal green silk single loop bow. $250 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552514
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Dec 19
❤️BIG RED❤️ $120/wk
Tall crown fedora with oversized brim. Habd crafted pale blue feather flowers add a dramatic contrasting feature removable red neck tie for multiple stylish options of wearing. $120/wk hire available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552513
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Dec 19
Grace Satin Crystal Crown $195
White satin with silver diamond overlay blocked into a halo crown style adorned with diamanté crystals. The back features ruched white satin. $195 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552502
@millinerymarket
@abigailfergussonmillinery ...
Dec 9
Pretty in Pink Headpiece 💓 $280
Multi tones of pink with metallic rose gold and a touch of pearl gold. Features handmade leather blossom with veiling and quill feature on a handblocked base. $280 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552488
@millinerymarket
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Dec 9
Teal and Black Straw✨ $130
Custom made teal straw trimmed with teal and black feathers. Easy to wear, button base on a headband. Hat tilts slightly to right side. Beautiful colour. $130 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552492
@millinerymarket
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Dec 5
Blue Day Headpiece 💙
Beautiful sculptural headpiece in navy blue straw. Lots of height in this gorgeous piece, which has a beautiful light and gauzy look to it in real life .
Handblocked bandeau shaped base covered in lattice weave straw, with a deconstructed sculptural straw drape ...
Dec 1
Blooms Hat 🖤🤍 $315
Handblocked fine straw with handmade leather flowers, twisted quills and veiling feature. Off white and black. $315 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552482
@millinerymarket
@sassymillinery
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Dec 1
Layla Headband in Cinnamon, Blues and Black $95 each ❤️
Layla is a linen wrapped headband . The linen has been hand freyed on the edges and wrapped around a lightly padded headband then adorned with an assortment of little blossom. $95 each available at ...
Dec 1
Waves- Sunset Tones 🌅 $155
Beautiful ready to ship sculptural headband design. Sinamay is draped waved and twisted into a modern sculptural headpiece with chopped net and multi quill feature . Mounted on a leather wrapped headband . Beautiful summery sunset tones of a dusty blush pink ...
Nov 30
Lilac & ivory rear sitting wrap piece with metallic blooms 💜 $270
A rear sitting wrap sinamay wired style piece in ombre lilac and ivory. Sooo pretty!! Complete with pearlised metallic vines of lilac and ivory blooms. $270 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552472
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Nov 30
Feather Ring in Cerise and Raspberry❤️💓& Feather Ring in Rust $400 each
Stunning feather rings. Sits at the back of the head. This piece has combs to hold in place.
A definite one only piece. 700 feathers that swirl around this headpiece. Absolutely easy to wear, super ...
Nov 29
Red hostess style twisted quill and straw feature ❤️ $220
Red Hostess style straw feature headpiece with hand sculpted twisted straw and shiny twisted quill adorn the top. Perfect neat feature piece. $220 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552467
@jettahandtilldesign ...
Nov 28
Fluro yellow bow on black cartwheel hat💛🖤💛 $95/week rental
Black sinamay cartwheel shaped brimmed hat with a high crown. Trimmed with luxurious satin sheen fluro yellow bow. $95/wk rental available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552463
@chrismullanemillinery
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Nov 25
Big black brim with upsweep and white fringe 🖤 $120 rental/ wk
Black sınamay big folded brimmed hat, with white straw cloth covered crown and fringed edge. White silk bow in the fold. Only worn once. $120/wk rental available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552464
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Nov 25
Large single feather flower in oranges on bandeau headband 🧡 $270
Unique Fascinator. Hand dyed hand made large feather flower on a linen orange side sitting bandeau shaped headpiece. The feathers are tones of oranges from light to dark as they are hand dyed. Absolutely one only. As light...
Nov 24
Black headband with pleated crin and silver beads 🖤 $260
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552449
@chrismullanemillinery
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Nov 23
Orange Large Pearl Headband 🍊$95
Stunning orange padded headband with large orange pearls.
$95 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552459
@mooremillinerydesigns
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Nov 23
Purple beaded donut 💜 $230
Stunning one of a kind metallic purple beaded donut. $230 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552324
@clairehahnmillinery
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Nov 22
Flutter- orange/pink sheer leaf Fascinator on a headband🧡💗 $460
This is an amazing unique piece. Created with hand cut hand coloured leaf shapes. She is delicate and a total one only. Absolutely light and easy to wear.
She has the potential be worn on the left as well.
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Nov 22
B.Graceful Headpiece💗 $280
Handmade feathers roses in orange and pink tones with sculptured Burnt Ostrich feathers. On velvet covered headband.
$280 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552393
@melissagayedesigns
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Nov 19
Trilogy Band Set 🤍 $80/week rental
3 Seperate Headbands worn together to create a Deluxe layered headband look.
Each layer includes hand beaded glass ivory pearls. To be worn together in a layered step look starting with smallest band and finishing with padded back band ... or ...
Nov 18
Bottle Green Bow Pillbox £210💚
Bottle green felt pillbox hat with matching statement veiling and silk bow. £210 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552426
@sbmillinery
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Nov 18
Floral Peach Saucer 💗🍑 $300
Floral Peach Saucer - A stunning spring piece that elegantly sits on the right hand side. In gorgeous peach tones and lavishly trimmed with hand-made feather flowers.
$300 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552424
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Nov 18
Poppy Boater💗❤️ $299
Gorgeous Fun & Frilly large brim Boater in Pale Pink Raspberry & Magenta adorned with Tuille frills & a grosgrain tie. $299 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552448
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Nov 17
Watermelon headband with pleated coin and rose gold tubing🍉🍉 $260
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552450 😍
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Nov 17
Winona Dior Brim Hat 🧡 $330
A classic coral and ivory straw Dior style brimmed hat, trimmed with handmade sinamay butterflies.
The hat rests at a slight angle, secured on an ivory headband with elastic for extra security.
$330 available at ...
Nov 17
A beautiful collection of ‘Birthstone Millinery’ from our newest member @jwhmillinery 😍✨💎
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552418
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Nov 17
Crowning Glory in Mauve💟 $290
Feel like a Queen in a crown covered in a textured swiss straw fabric, hand-dyed and trimmed with a single flower in shades of purple. $290 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552423
@kelly_louise_designs
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Nov 16
Do you prefer block colours or prints?😍💖🤎
Just adore these matching face masks that come with each hat! ✨👏🏻
Ranging from £135 to £145 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552311
@kjmillinery
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Nov 11
Stacey (Green) - Padded Headband with Silk Ties $89
These stylish headbands are made in collaboration with and lovingly handmade by Eline Juchem as part of the Alice & Eline Collection. They feature a padded headband wrapped in tulle, with long silk dupion ties at the back which can be ...
Nov 11
Pink Bow 🎀 $180
Pink teardrop fascinator trimmed with two tone bow and veiling, secured with an elastic. $180 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552383 @meerkatmillinery
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Nov 10
Large Brim Black Boater🖤 $410
Beautiful large Black brimmed boater with two black mesh trims, a velvet external ribbon. $410 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552374 @mooremillinerydesigns
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Nov 9
Cream Breton with Blue Lace Flowers💙
Cream Parisisal Breton with hand dyed and hand wired Colbert Blue Guipure lace flowers. Centred with rose gold Swarovski pearls, with two hand curled blue quills. $410 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552414
@mooremillinerydesigns ...
Nov 9
Irene Elizabeth Fedora 💗💙
Hand blocked light pink parisisal knotted stylised fedora hat with dustings of blue. Trimmed with double braid band and sculptured pink and blue ombré feathers. $265 available at
www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552395 @melissagayedesigns
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Nov 9
Kiara - Sage Green Statement Flower Halo💚
'Kiara' is a fun easy-wear headpiece which features a halo wrapped in mint leather with two statement sage green fabric flowers. $199 available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/552407
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Nov 9
