Tag Archives: Autumn Phillips

Royal Ascot Day 5: The Phillipses

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Royal Hats

I’m delighted to be joined today by Spanish milliner Rafa Peinador, creator of his namesake London-based millinery brand, to chat about all of the royal hats (and some others!) we see today on the final day Royal Ascot.

Autumn Philips chose blue for her last Ascot outing this year in a jumpsuit and hat described by the milliner as  a “hand-made straw medium sized saucer hat, trimmed with two silk satin roses with feather accents.”

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Royal Hats: My goodness- it’s our favourite royal hat from Ascot last year (which ultimately went on to be named our top new hat of 2018) but in blue!

Rafa Peinador: Autumn Phillips was wearing a nice saucer hat with silk satin flowers and feathers placed between petals. The hat perfectly matched the colour of the outfit. I would say that the chess effect on the sinamay is absolutely gorgeous and very tasteful. The incorporation of the feathers in the roses made it look different from a lot of similar hats seen in last few days. I would have incorporated a cream or ivory element to accentuate the chess pattern.

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Royal Hats: Great idea, Rafa- some cream flowers would be a great compliment and lend quiet contrast to the all blue look. Although, I like this all-blue look- the textured hat is the perfect pairing with Autumn’s solid colour jumpsuit and works far better than a solid hued hat would. The scale and shape are great on her and the colour, well, it’s terrific. The patterned straw lends a beautiful lightness and airiness to the look. So fresh and summery

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Designer: Sally-Ann Provan. It is a bespoke version of the Greta Saucer Hat. Bespoke Claire Mischevani jumpsuit.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Peter Phillips repeated his black felt top hat.

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What do you think of Autumn’s hat today?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

 

Royal Ascot Day 3: The Phillipses

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I’m delighted to welcome Ellie Vallerini, creator of Sussex-based Ellie Vallerini Hats, here share her thoughts on all of the royal hats at Royal Ascot!  

Autumn Phillips topped her floral dress with a cream and pink cocktail percher hat. The formed base, made from layered cream satin and sinamay is trimmed with a pink and cream hand dyed ombre ruffle in bamboo silk.

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Royal Hats: Head to toe, this is SO pretty.

Ellie Vallerini: I also thought Autumn Phillips looks so fresh and pretty in this outfit. Although the hat was simple it is an unusual design and because it is solid white with a flash of pink, it really stood out from the busy background. I just loved the young and funky dip dyed effect with the pink and most of all it suited her and her face shape, beautiful!

Royal Hats: You’ve found the words I couldn’t, Ellie! The ruffle’s ombre dye is a modern touch but the colour palate keeps it very soft- a softness continued by Autumns flowing hairstyle- and enables the hat to beautifully connect to the dress. These are two pieces that could easily be overpowered but here, pair perfectly together.

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Designer: Bee Smith. It is a bespoke version of the Pink Ruffle Seagrass Beret. Claire Mischevani dress.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Peter Phillips wore his black felt top hat.

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What do you think of Autumn’s new hat today?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

 

Trooping The Colour: York, Wessex & Phillips Families

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We jump back into our review of the hats at yesterday’s Trooping The Colour ceremony with those worn by the rest of the Queen’s immediate family. Princess Beatrice wore a bandeau headpiece described by the designer as “back silk dupion-covered sculpted headband with a white flourish, inspired by historical styles. Graceful and dramatic, this headband features a large blooming white silk flower.” Beatrice wears the kokoshnik-shape really well (it suits her hairstyle and face shape) and this piece was a great compliment to her pink and black dress.

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Designer:  Judy Bentinck. It is the ‘Kiyomi’ bandeau.  Dress from Emilia Wickstead
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Princess Eugenie topped a vibrantly printed dress with a black straw bergère hat embellished with a large white silk rose. The hat pairs so well with the dress- it’s scale is great to link with Eugenie’s black sash belt without overwhelming the ensemble and these black accessories give grounding and grandeur to the look. What really has me swooning for this hat is the perfect angle Eugenie placed it on her head. SO GOOD. Also making his millinery début at this event was Eugenie’s new husband, Jack Brooksbank, who sported a top hat in black felt.

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Designer:  Emily London. It is the ‘Varenna’ hat. Dress from Amanda Wakeley.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Countess of Wessex repeated a black straw statement hat, also in black straw. In a pointed ellipse shape, the design features a grandiose, sidesweeping wave which is built upon the base of a calot style cap. The hat is finished with a trailing branch of black silk blossoms.

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This is one of several hats Sophie has in this unique shape (see here and here) and it is wonderful to see it again, not only because it’s fantastic on her, but because it paired fantastically with her green silk dress. Sophie carries off such statement millinery pieces so successfully and this hat tops a terrific ensemble for her.

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Designer: Jane Taylor. It is a custom version of “Lady A” from SS 2013.  Dress by Suzannah
Previously Worn:  Mar 9, 2017; June 21, 2013

Lady Louise Windsor repeated the smart navy satin covered button percher trimmed with satin and beaded Rouleaux twists she first wore for Princess Eugenie’s wedding last fall. Not only does yesterday’s outing show a better view of the beaded detailing on the bows, it also reveals the hat to have a scattering of velvet flowers with pearl centers. It’s a youthful design in a classic colour that Louise wears very well (and it’s great to see her wear it several times).

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Designer: Emily London
Previously Worn: Apr 21, 2019;  Oct 12, 2018

Autumn Phillips wore a pale grey straw percher hat described by the designer as “a handblocked straw button trimmed with a crystal bow.” Autumn has embraced cocktail hats with button or beret bases for a long time and this one, with it’s slightly lilac undertone, makes a lovely pairing with her pink frock.

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Designer: Julian Garner. It is the “Jessica” design. Dress by Claire Mischevani
Previously Worn: This hat is new 

I think there’s something significant to admire about each of these five hats- what are your thoughts?
Photos from Getty as indicated

Easter at Windsor: Part 2

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We continue our look at the royal hats on Sunday at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle with the Countess of Wessex. Sophie topped her floral dress with a navy straw percher saucer hat trimmed with silver metallic leather flowers and leaves, burnt feathers and rough-edged crin. I understand the design is about making a statement of the edgy trim but it came off a bit messy for me.

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Designer: Jane Taylor. Dress by Oscar de la Renta
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Lady Louise Windsor repeated her navy satin covered button percher with multi looped satin and beaded bows. It’s a great scale for this young royal hat wearer and the bit of sparkle makes it a wonderfully youthful choice. With her navy floral dress, the hat tops a great Easter look.

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Designer: Emily London. Dress by Reiss
Previously Worn: Oct 12, 2018

Princess Anne repeated her oyster straw hat with sideswept brim trimmed with layered cream curling quills. The hat used to also include feather trim in apricot/burnt orange hues that have now been removed- an interesting development that extends this hat’s ability to be paired with different ensembles such as the silver silk frock Anne paired with it here. For good views of this hat in its previously trimmed form, jump over here to its last outing, last June at Ascot.

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Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: June 19, 2018; June 4, 2018;  June 20, 2017, May 20, 2017 

Autumn Phillips wore a new navy straw hugger percher design trimmed with cream silk flowers and a swath of ruffled widely woven tulle veil. The cream trim links well with the statement buttons on Autumn’s dress and the hat’s blocking creates a beautiful line to the design. It’s a lovely design by a designer we’ve not seen on a royal head before- a designer I can’t wait to see more of.


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Designer: bespoke Julian Garner.  Dress by Claire Mischevani.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Zara Tindall topped her elegantly streamlined cream coat with a pink felt formed button percher trimmed with curving leaf trim in silver and pink and white gingham patterned leather. The hat’s interesting trim makes a wonderful statement that is tempered ever so slightly by its pale colour scheme- a scheme which Zara wears really well. It’s an interesting but pretty hat well suited to an event such as this.

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Designer: Sarah Cant. Coat by Goat Fashion.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

This wraps up the eight royal hats we saw at Windsor on Easter Sunday. This group included a few surprises and renovations which makes me curious, dearest readers- which designs stood out most to you?

Photos from Getty as indicated

Cheltenham Festival 2019: Day 4

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Gold Cup Day at the final day of this year’s Cheltenham Festival was a wet one today but rain (and a LOT of mud) did not seem to dampen racegoer’s spirits. The final day of the races this year saw four royal hats, all worn by members of the Phillips Family. Princess Anne repeated her turquoise felt fedora with two-toned, layered silk hatbands and side spray of feathers. It’s one of my favourite hats in her wardrobe and was a chic choice for the races, standing out against grey skies. I adore the mix of hat and coat with the grey printed scarf.

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Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: Dec 25, 2018; Apr 1, 2018

Autumn Phillips wore a new hat, described by the milliner as “A rich Burgundy fur felt fedora, trimmed with two rows of navy braid. The fedora has a wide brim which gently slopes down flattering the face.”  I love a good fedora and this one is GREAT on Autumn. Peter repeated his well-worn brown fedora.

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Designer: Camilla Rose Millinery. It is the Dusk Fedora from AW 2018. Guinea London velvet coat.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Zara Tindall has had stellar looks all week but, I think, saved the sharpest for last. Topping her marvellous black and white checked coat was a black felt saucer hat trimmed with a single white quill and a folded red leather bow. The hat is a style and scale we’ve seen many times on Zara but the overall look is so beautifully styled, it looks fresh and fabulous.


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Designer: Bespoke Sally Ann Provan. Coat by Claire Mischevani.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

That wraps up this year’s Cheltenham Festival. We’ve seen 12 royal hats at the races this year- which ones have been your most favourite?

Photos from Getty and social media as indicated

Favourite Repeated Royal Hat of 2018

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Last year, several hundred hats stepped out on royal heads for the second, third, (or twelfth!) times. Each month, you picked a favourite from these repeatedly worn designs to assemble a list of ten stunning semi-finalists for the year. You have voted, dearest readers, and now we crown a winner in this race for Favourite Repeated Royal Hat Design of 2018:

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Princess Anne’s straw picture hat with cream brim, navy crown, feathers, bows and quills worn March 12

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Autumn Phillips’ magenta straw cocktail hat with rose & quill twists by Juliette Botterill worn June 23

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Queen Máxima’s deep purple felt upsweep with side brim pleat by Fabienne Delvigne worn November 21

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The Countess of Wessex’s oyster straw Jane Taylor picture hat with curling feathers worn June 18

 

The Countess of Wessex’s lattice brimmed straw saucer hat with twists & coral feathers by Jane Taylor worn May 15

Congratulations to British milliner Jane Taylor, who created this winning saucer hat, and to the other three milliners who designed these beautiful runners up. I can’t say I expected to see one of Princess Anne’s hats included in this list but such is the wonderful world of royal hat watching- there are surprises around every corner!
Jump over to this post to see the poll results in greater detail and please- share your thoughts about these winners! 
Photos from Getty as indicated and The British Royal Family

British Royal Family Celebrate Christmas- Part 2

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Continuing our look at the hats worn yesterday to Christmas service in Norfolk, we jump to the York princesses.  Princess Beatrice repeated her wide brimmed fedora, a hat that doesn’t exactly stand out but that works on her very well nonetheless.

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Designer: unknown. Coat by Claire Mischevani.
Previously Worn: November 19, 2014

Princess Eugenie topped a stunning red and black coat with a black duchess silk hand-made bandeau headpiece with ruched center. The placement feels awkwardly too far forward toward her forehead- I think the piece would have worked much better worn over the crown of her head.

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Designer: Emily London; it is a bespoke version of the “Ellen” design. Coat by Andrew Gn.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Countess of Wessex wore a new hat, described by the designer as “bespoke wet look velvet cocktail hat with vintage veil.” Cocktail hats of this scale and style are a common choice for Sophie which is a shame, as the beautiful details of this one (the sheen of the velvet, the lovely molded shape of the base, the very finely woven veil) are lost a bit in the sense that we’ve seen this before on her.

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Designer: bespoke Jane Taylor. Coat is by Suzannah.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Lady Louise Windsor topped her streamlined ecru coat with an angled beret percher hat in animal print felt. The bold shape, which is elevated on one side, and the daring print are stand out from all the hats we’ve seen Louise wear to date, something that fills me with joy and happy claps. I adore watching this young royal hat wearer find her millinery style through experimenting with new shapes, styles and, in this case, prints and admire the confidence it took to choose and carry off this design.

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Designer: Jane Taylor
Previously Worn: This hat is new
Princess Anne repeated the turquoise felt fedora we first saw her wear this year at Easter. The fedora shape works so well on her (particularly when worn with a slight angle to the brim) and I really like how the two-toned, layered silk hatbands link with the ensemble’s matching coat turquoise with lighter blue collar. It’s a sharp and stylish hat that Anne wears well.
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Designer: unknown

Previously Worn: Apr 1, 2018

Autumn Phillips topped her forest green coat with a matching hand-blocked beret percher hat in peachbloom felt trimmed with a crystal pearl studded flying bow. I really like how this beret’s shape, with its gentle curves, becomes its focal point, magically making that bow appear to be a far more subtle detail than it actually is. The hat is so beautifully balanced and its very festive colour looks wonderful on Autumn.

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Designer: Sally Ann Provan. It is a bespoke version of the ‘Sora’ design. Coat by Claire Mischevani.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Zara Tindall wore an eye-catching hat described by the designer as a “thistle purple felt mini sloped beret trimmed with deep purple felt and bronze leather leaves”. Zara wears such quirky statement percher hats so well and this design, with its punchy colour and strong sense of movement thanks to the leaf trim, does no overwhelm her. I love an unexpected colour pairing that works and on Zara, the navy and purple combination in this ensemble is great.

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Designer: Sarah Cant. It is the “Cyclamen” design from AW 2016. Coat by Hugo Boss. 
Previously Worn: This hat is new

That wraps up this year’s British Royal Christmas hats. Which ones stood out to you most?
Photos from Getty as indicated