Tag Archives: Autumn Phillips

Autumn Phillips’ Christmas Hats

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A royal hat wearer who as emerged as one to watch over recent years is Autumn Phillips. Today, we’re taking a look back at the hats she has worn on Christmas Day:

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Fuzzy white beret in 2008; Black trilby with bow tied hatband in 2009

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Grey wool crowned hat with high, faux fur cuffed brim in 2011;
Burgundy button percher with feather flowers by Nerida Fraiman in 2012

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Tall navy brimless hat with pork pie crown in 2013

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Chocolate Juliette Botterill beret percher with bow in 2014; Navy felt saucer with looped bow by Rachel Black in 2016

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Red pleated velvet button percher by Emily London in 2017;
Emerald green felt curved beret percher with bow by Sally Ann Provan in 2018

It’s a millinery look that has become more polished over time I suspect, thanks to a stylist’s guiding hand. Autumn suits smaller scale percher pieces so well, the dark hues here contrasting beautifully against her fair complexion and blonde hair. What do you think of this millinery retrospective?

Photos from Getty as indicated; Chris Jackson via Getty; Ward/WENN.com

British Royals Attend Braemar Games

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On Saturday, Queen Elizabeth was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay and Peter and Autumn Philips for what looked like a very enjoyable day at the Braemar Games.

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Queen Elizabeth repeated her royal purple felt hat with square crown, downward facing brim with upfolded kettle edge and dark purple velvet hatband trimmed with stitched purple velvet leaves and silk flowers.

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This outing gives us a good look at this hat’s trim, which was updated for it’s last outing. This change elevates the hat- I adore those stitched velvet leaves)-  and the trim works much better than the white irises that originally adorned it. Fascinatingly, this trim change has made the design look much more in proportion, an optical illusion that works so well here (the hatmaker herself confirmed there were no changes to the hat’s crown height, as we suspected during its last outing) and ties beautifully with the velvet trim on this ensemble’s coat.

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Designer: Angela Kelly made by Stella McLaren
Previously Worn: Mar 11, 2019;  Jan 13, 2019; Oct 23, 2018; Mar 6, 2018; Dec 7, 2017; Nov 24, 2016

The Duchess of Rothesay repeated her formed beret in deep cranberry red felt, trimmed with a pair of pheasant feathers.

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This is the first good look we’ve had at this hat in years which is great, because it’s really wonderful on Camilla. She has just two red hats in her wardrobe, such a shame as she wears the colour so well.

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An interesting side note on this hat- worn well past the 10 wears that we’ve discussed recently (thanks to a quote from the late milliner Philip Somerville guessing this as the average number of times most royal hats are worn), the original feathers that appeared on this hat were replaced in 2017 for the larger ones we see on it today. While the change may have been an aesthetic one, it certainly has added to this hat’s longevity!

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At the Palace of Holyroodhouse on May 9, 2012

Designer: Philip Treacy
Previously Worn: August 25, 2019; Sep 30, 2018; Sep 23, 2018; Sep 16, 2018; Sep 24, 2017; Aug 20, 2017; April 16, 2017; Sep 11, 2016; Sep 26, 2015; Sep 5, 2012; Sep 1, 2012; May 9, 2012; Sep 18, 2011; Apr 9, 2006; Apr 10, 2005

Autumn Phillips wore a percher hat with sculpted base in sage green described by the milliner as “hand-blocked peachbloom felt pillbox hat trimmed with an abstract bow, and finished with 2 degrade dyed feathers and a large crystal pearl in subtle tones of the same colour.”

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The scale and movement of this piece is wonderful on her and makes such a great pairing for her slightly lighter green plaid wool coat. I particularly admire the shape and height of the bow and the colour of the feathers. Some might be tempted to pair this coat with burgundy hat to match its velvet trim but I adore that Autumn (or her stylist, Annie Miall) went the less expected route with this design in green. It’s so much more interesting and brings out her green eyes so well.

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Designer: Sally-Ann Provan’s Artani design  It is the Guinea London Knightsbridge coat. 
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Yesterday, Queen Elizabeth attended Suinday service at Crathie Kirk in a repeated cloche variation covered in pale silk crepe. The hat’s contrasting black lower hatband, which shows up as a sharply punctuating pinstripe, and black leaves, nestled behind those exquisite handmade flowers, are an unexpected touch on this hat but one that makes it work so well.

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Designer: Rachel Trevor Morgan
Previously Worn: Aug 6, 2019; Aug 12, 2018

The Duchess of Rothesay also attended church, repeating her red beret’s taupe twin, also trimmed with pheasant feathers.

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Designer: Philip Treacy
Previously Worn: Aug 11, 2019; Aug 19, 2018; Oct 8, 2017; Sep 10, 2017; Aug 13, 2017; Sep 18, 2016

That’s five hats in Scotland over the weekend. Which ones stood out most to you?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

Catching Up With The British Royals

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With nine British royal hats appearing at semi-public events this week, I thought we’d take a dedicated look at these designs to kick off this holiday weekend (our regular weekend “Extra’s” post will follow tomorrow). Last Sunday, Queen Elizabeth was spotted en route to Sunday service at Crathie Kirk in Scotland in a new hat. UPDATE- thanks to you super sleuths, we know know this hat is a repeat and more than a decade old!

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In bright pink straw, the design’s sidesweeping brim is edged in a wide binding stripe in robin’s egg blue, which is repeated on the straw twist and burnt feathers of its trim. While the colour makes a fun statement (especially with such an unexpected colour pairing!), I’m not keen on the hat’s flared crown, which gives it a slightly cartoonish vibe from front view.

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Designer: unknown. Based on dates, I strongly suspect Philip Somerville
Previously Worn: November 24, 2007
The Duchess of Cornwall repeated her red felt Philip Treacy beret with pheasant feather trim. Camilla has worn this hat exclusively in Scotland (mainly for private events such as this) which is a shame, as the pop of colour is great on her!
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The Duchess of Cambridge repeated a navy saucer shaped percher hat with large center knot felt flower on the back.
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Designer: Lock and Co. 
Previously Worn: Aug 26, 2018; Feb 7, 2016; March 26, 2015 (private event)
The Countess of Wessex repeated a camel felt fedora with overlapping pheasant feather hatband. Sophie wears fedora and trilby shapes well and the hatband on this casual design is such a great touch.
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Designer:  Suffolk Fedora in Camel from Hicks & Brown
Previously Worn: Dec 23, 2018; May 14, 2018
Princess Anne wore a hat that, I think, is a new design. In warm camel felt, this trilby features an extended brim that raises, in classic trilby fashion around the back, and is trimmed simply with what looks like a two-tone hatband in gold and chocolate, tied in a side bow. It’s a similar design to the turquoise and purple hats she added to her millinery wardrobe over the past year, although not as interesting a colour.

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Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: I believe this is new

Autumn Phillips rounded last Sunday’s royal attendees at church in a dark caramel felt button percher trimmed with a chocolate organza ruffle around a silk bloom and two striped pheasant feathers. As far as brown hats go, it’s a good one

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Designer: Unknown. It looks like Juliette Botterill to me
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Today, the York Princesses and their mum attended Ellie Goulding’s wedding in Yorkshire. Princess Beatrice topped an irredescent emerald frock with a new black bandeau headpiece in leather, trimmed with handmade flowers and textured leaves. Black leather could be a tricky material to pull off for a royal headpiece but this one’s floral trim beautifully balances its edgy material, creating a smoothly elegant piece in a shape that looks great on Bea.

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Designer: Athena by Justine Bradley-Hill. by Dress by The Vampire’s Wife 
Previously Worn: This headpiece is new

Princess Eugenie repeated her navy straw pillbox with braided perimeter. It remains a great design for her, paired again with a floral frock (I think the open neckline of this dress makes for a better pairing).

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Designer: Juliette Botterill (bespoke version of the “Pleated Pillbox” from SS 2018). Dress by Peter Pilotto
Previously Worn: Apr 18, 2019

The Duchess of York topped a lace coat with a straw bumper hat with outside edge wrapped on two layers of Lady Amherst feathers. The hat’s shape, which looks like a bandeau from front view,  suits Sarah well and the classic black and white scheme is a tad more wearable than this similar design!

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Designer: Jess Collett
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Thoughts about these British royal hats?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

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