Hat From the Past

Royal Hats to June 17, 1976 and a smart red straw hat with chevron design woven into the straw, worn to Ascot. What do you think- could this forty year old hat be worn successfully (and stylishly) today?

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Photos from Getty as indicated

Closer Look: The Green Chain Pillbox

Royal HatsOne of the surprises from this year’s amazing exhibition on the Queen’s fashion over the past 90 years is a celery green silk hat with distinctive hanging chain trim that I do not remember ever seeing before:

This design (I suspect made by Simone Mirman) is all about that interlocking chain veil on the back- a detail that is unique and unlike anything we’ve seen on a royal hat. It’s not a design detail that is very beautiful but it makes for a fascinatingly interesting design. While I have been unable to find any photos of the Queen wearing this particular hat, several similar lavishly trimmed over size pillboxes she wore in the 1960s and 1970s give us hint of how this piece might have looked on her.
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
What do you think of this design, now that we’ve had a closer look?
Photos from Getty as indicated

Swedish Royals Join Car Rally

On Saturday, King Carl Gustaf brought out his prized 1946 Volvo PV-60 to take part in the twelfth annual ‘King’s Rally’ on the island of Öland.

Queen Silvia, August 27, 2016 | Royal Hats
Queen Silvia joined in the automotive fun in a colourful, summery hat. Made of loosely woven straw printed with a pink, purple, lime and turquoise argyle diamond pattern, the hat features a flat crown and curved brim finished with a magenta hatband and bow at the back. We don’t often see such vibrantly printed royal hats and the simple shape of this one allows the diamond print to take centre stage. It’s not a serious or formal hat and as such, was perfect both with Silvia’s bright dress and for this informal event. She and the King, who sported a classic cream Panama hat, made a very handsome, hatted royal pair.
Queen Silvia, August 27, 2016 | Royal Hats Queen Silvia, August 27, 2016 | Royal Hats
Queen Silvia, August 27, 2016 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: I suspect this hat is new

Most of the working royal hats we see err on the more serious side of things and it’s lovely to see such a whimsical and informal design such as this. I think it is as wonderful as her iPhone cover (adorable!) but I’m curious- what do you think of Queen Silvia’s diamond printed hat?

Queen Silvia, August 27, 2016 | Royal Hats

Photos from The Swedish Monarchy; IBL and StellaPhoto

Princess Mary At Glostrop Festival

Crown Princess Mary was in Glostrup on Saturday to take part in festivities celebrating the city’s 850th anniversary. For the occasion, she reached into the depths of her millinery closet for a cream straw fascinator that has not been worn in over a decade.

Crown Princess Mary, August 27, 2016 | Royal Hats

Embed from Getty Images

The fascinator features a multi-looped straw bow surrounded by arrow trimmed feathers. The styling of this piece- tucked into Mary’s chignon and paired with a lace frock- was very well done, minimising its slightly outdated style and creating an ensemble that felt fresh and festive.  I think Mary’s strength is her styling (or stylist!) and this headpiece certainly benefited from it.

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

Crown Princess Mary, August 27, 2016 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn:  April 27, 2010; May 12, 2005

I love seeing older pieces of millinery recycled in ways that bring them into current fashion and I think Mary’s ensemble on Saturday was elevated by this headpiece. We don’t often see this style of fascinator any more – what do you think of it on this outing?

Photos from Stella

This Week’s Extras

Royal Hats

King Harald is participating in the World Sailing Championships in Toronto (Royal House of Norway)

Crown Princess Mary took part in the Baltic Sea Challenge (Daily Mail)

Have you heard that the Countess of Wessex is taking up a Duke of Edinburgh challenge (raising funds for charity in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh Award’s 60th anniversary) that involves many, many hours wearing a bike helmet?

While not exactly a sport… Princess Camilla of of Bourbon Two Sicilies was spotted hat shopping in St. Tropez back in early July (Pure People)

Princess Camilla, July 2, 2016 | Royal Hats

In early August, she was also spotted out on the town in some snazzy headpieces (Pure People)

Princess Camilla, August 2016 | Royal Hats

 Royal Hats

Lovely new photo of Prince Carl Philip, Princes Sofia and Prince Alexander (Svenskdam)

Photos from BestImage