Tag Archives: Countess of Wessex

More Multiples: Countess of Wessex’s Double Hump Stovepipe Cloches

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 When the Countess of Wessex last stepped out in a hat in mid December, it was in her burgundy felt stovepipe cloche with flying bow. The distinct points on the top of this design’s crown make it a unique shape; interestingly, Sophie has two other hats, also by Philip Treacy, with this same unmistakeable feature:

Hat #1: Mad of ecru straw, this hat first appeared at Ascot on June 19, 2001

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Hat #2: A variation in snakeskin printed straw trimmed with a spray of striped pheasant feathers on the side. First worn for the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall’s wedding in 2005.

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Hat #3: Boldest version in deep maroon felt with a flying bow. First worn to the Cheltenham Races on March 15, 2006.

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While I love to see an unusual millinery shape (they certainly keep things lively for us!), this one feels firmly rooted in the  in the early 2000s when oversize hats were the rage. Compared to today’s face framing halo bandeaux and perchers, the shape feels a bit harsh.

What do you think of this Philip Treacy experimental shape? Which version of this hat do you think worked best?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

Inventory: Countess of Wessex’s Light Pink Hats

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To celebrate the Countess of Wessex’s 56th birthday today, we’re taking a look at all of her light pink hats. Here they are in the order that they have publicly been worn:

1. 2. 3.
Designer: Philip Treacy; Philip Treacy; Jane Taylor
Introduced: June 17, 2003;  June 20, 2006; July 30, 2011

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Designer: all three are Jane Taylor
Introduced: June 15, 2013; June 11, 2016; June 19, 2018 

Sophie’s royal life has now spanned more than two decades and to see see just six designs in light-medium pink surprised me. What I admire here is diversity- while each addition here is made of straw, they all follow completely different shapes and are trimmed with a distinct focal trim. Are such things coincidental? Maybe. I still appreciate the care taken by stylist, milliner or perhaps even Sophie herself to explore different millinery looks within this one hue. It’s this kind of approach that keeps our focus tuned to her head!

What are your thoughts on this sextet of pink hats?

Images from Tim Graham, Max Mumby/Indigo, Max Mumby/Indigoand Mark Cuthbert via Getty; Getty as indicated

Wessexes Visit Army Music Corps

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The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the Corps of Army Music for a renaming ceremony and short parade at Kneller Hall in Twickenham on Friday. The Countess took the salute as Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment and inspected the parade before presenting the Scroll to commemorate the Corps receiving its Royal title.

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For this event, Sophie repeated her deep maroon felt stovepipe cloche with double humped crown and side, knotted flying bow. While the shape of this hat has not aged well, the styling of this ensemble, pairing the hat with beautiful green and creamy winter white, is brilliant.

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Designer: Philip Treacy. Max Mara Custodi Coat
Previously Worn: Dec 27, 2015; Dec 15, 2014;  Jan 1, 2012; Dec 27, 2009;  Dec 25, 2006; Mar 15, 2006

I think the overall look here elevates the hat- what do you think of it?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

Monday Multiples: Countess of Wessex

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The Countess of Wessex has worn her snakeskin printed straw cloche hat with high, split crown and Lady Amherst feather trim by Philip Treacy with three ensembles:

Look #1: With a grey dot printed silk dress and belted white pique jacket worn April 9, 2005 to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall’s wedding

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Look #2:  With a pale slate blue dress with moire watermark printed collar, cuffs, hem and front placket trim, worn for a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on July 17, 2007

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Look #3: With a black dress and notch collared jacket worn for a service of thanksgiving for the life of Sir Edmund Hillary on April 2, 2008

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Which ensemble do you prefer most with this hat?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

British Royals Mark Armistice Day

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The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall attended a service at Westminster Abbey today marking  Armistice Day and the centenary of the burial of the unknown warrior.

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For this event, Camilla she repeated her large black black felt hat with flyaway raised brim. The smooth lines of the hat are punctuated with a wide band of bias-woven ribbon binding the brim edge. It’s such a great hat for events such as these, its scale and sleek lines connoting a sense of solemn dignity.

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Designer: Philip Treacy. Dress and Coat by Fiona Clare. 
Previously Worn: Feb 1, 2019; Nov 11, 2018; Dec 25, 2016; Nov 13, 2016; Dec 25, 2015

Over in Stafford, The Earl and Countess of Wessex attended an outdoor commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum.

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The Countess repeated her navy felt pillbox wrapped in a swath of dotted veil. The classic shape pairs so well with Sophie’s wide collared coat and its militaristic styling, creating another overall look that feels very fitting for this event.

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Designer: Jane Taylor
Previously Worn: Mar 10, 2020

As I said on Sunday, hats are secondary at events like these but this pair is, again, outstanding.

Photos from Getty as indicated