Royal Ascot 2021
This year Royal Ascot, the high point of the racing calendar and my favourite part, hats, hats, hats, took place between the 15th and 26th of June 2021.
Last year the racing happened behind closed doors and the famous racecourse encouraged people to watch it at home. The racecourse raised thousands of pounds for charities in the U.K. whilst we watched from our sofas.
I wasn’t going to go this year due to the restrictions however a lovely surprise welcomed me. First thing Monday morning, the week before, I was invited to Royal Ascot as a guest.
I was also super pleased to see my hat on the front cover of HELLO! Magazine. Charlotte Hawkins looked incredible in “The Happiest Hat” for sale at Fenwick, New Bond Street, London.
Super excited I ran about to get my morning suit and top hat ready to walk into the Royal Enclosure. It was my first time and I can’t tell you how excited I was. It was everything and more.
The service was impeccable. The view breath taking. The company, simply brilliant and inspiring.
I arrived in time for the gates to open at 10:30. This is always the best time to arrive to catch any form of possible press opportunities. The photographers need to get the images onto the wire ready for print that evening or for the next day. A little tip…you are welcome.
Lavazza coffee in hand I exited the main building and right across from me were five magical beings wearing five of the main pieces from my Pride Collection 2020, The Tootsies.
I made my way towards them to get a few snaps, they sparkled, and I was welcomed by a group of absolutely gorgeous ladies beaming. These ladies are pure talent and throughout the day entertain the crowds with amazing songs and harmonising.
The Tootsies wore the following hats, Valentina, which is an upright disc with handmade roses. Love Boat, a boater hand painted and embellished with crystal tubing. Come Together, a large button trimmed with an iridescent bow and studded with SS10 AB Preciosa Crystals. Jessica, a small button trimmed with a crystal tubing in bright yellow and the Proud 7 Halo Band, which is reversible and embellished with more SS10 AB Preciosa Crystals. After all, you can’t go to Ascot without looking and feeling sparkly.
Check them out here…
https://www.instagram.com/thetootsies/?hl=en
Later that day they group joined myself, other guests and the organisers in the box we were in and sang us a tune. It was truly wonderful to see them perform as well as bringing the hats I had made to life. I cannot thank them enough.
The day was relaxing and incredibly enjoyable. I was in a room full of wonderful and interesting people. We laughed and spoke shop which only inspired me to continue after the challenging year we have all had.
I highly recommend going to Royal Ascot. There are plenty of places to eat and drink if all you want to do is people watch instead of watching and betting on the races.
You are bound to see the odd celebrity which is always exciting. Get your picture in front of the famous flower wall. Stand the chance of been interviewed by the Fashion Hub for Royal Ascot TV or even Charlotte Hawkins and Mark Heyes for ITV.
Enjoy the Royal Procession from the side of the tracks or up close in the Queen Anne Enclosure or Royal Enclosure waving from the Parade Ring. It truly is a great day.
Although only 11,000 people were in attendance the atmosphere was still there. It felt special and like nowhere else. It’s also a great place to network.
Networking is not collecting contacts. Networking is planting relationships.
Remember, wear your hat with Pride and sparkle.
Write soon…xoxo
www.JulianGarner.com.