Tag Archives: Countess of Wessex

Funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh

Posted on by

Embed from Getty Images

Members of the British royal family gathered today at St. George’s chapel to celebrate the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

I’m sure you all join me extending our deepest sympathy to Queen Elizabeth and her family as they grieve his loss.

Commentary and discussion about hats feels unnecessary today. Comments are left open for messages of condolence.

Images from Getty as indicated

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

Posted on by

 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

Embed from Getty Images  Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images  Embed from Getty Images

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

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

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

Posted on by

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

4.Embed from Getty Images  5.Embed from Getty Images  6.
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

Posted on by

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.

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

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

Posted on by

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

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

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

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

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

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

Which ensemble do you prefer most with this hat?

Photos from Getty as indicated