Tag Archives: Princess Eugenie

British Royals Celebrate Christmas- Part I

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Members of the British Royal Family joined the Queen today, as they do each year, for Christmas Day Service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene near Sandringham.

The Queen wore a new ensemble today in brilliant red, topped with a felt hat . The teardrop shape of this hat’s crown is one we’ve seen on previous hats; the design is completed with a side spray of black feathers and hatband of the same fine braid as is trimming her coat. .

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Several readers guessed the queen would be in red this year and you were spot on! The look is festive and the coat’s open collar, edged with that lovely braid, frames the hat and Her Majesty’s face really well. What’s less successful for me is the crown shape- its height and flared silhouette creates an awkward proportion that feels a bit clunky. While the colour is great, I’m not sure the shape flatters.

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Designer: Angela Kelly made by Stella McLaren
Previously Worn: This hat is new

The Duchess of Cornwall repeated her royal purple felt brimless hat in a gently rounded helmet shape, trimmed with a large spray of  purple goose biot feathers. It’s a bold shape that she carries off well despite it’s clunky (again!) mushroom shape – the colour is divine, the spiky feathers play down the helmet vibe well and Camilla’s soft hairstyle lightens the look. The modern hat pairs really well with Camilla’s traditionally cut velvet coat, the two pieces combining to create a rather regal statement.

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Designer: Philip Treacy Bruce Oldfield dress and coat.
Previously Worn: March 11, 2019

The Duchess of Cambridge repeated her dark green percher saucer hat trimmed with large, pleated flower on the back raised side of the design.

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Today is the first time we’ve seen this hat not worn with a green coat and despite its small scale, holds its own. The styling here, coordinated with a purse and shoes in the same colour against the neutral coat, allows the hat to stand out more than we’ve seen it before. Coordinating Charlotte’s green coat makes a particularly sweet connection.

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Designer: Silvia Fletcher for Lock and Co. Coat by Catherine Walker. 
Previously Worn: Mar 17, 2017; Dec 25, 2015

Princess Beatrice, who was joined for the first time by her fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, wore a bandeau in forest green peachbloom felt accented with a beautiful pleated swirl motif. The design is a beautiful colour on her and the pleated detail gives such interest to the piece, making it much more special than a simple bandeau.

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Designer: Juliette Botterill. It is the Knotted Felt Band from AW 2019. Coat by The Fold London
Previously Worn: This headpiece is new

Princess Eugenie wore a navy blue headpiece described by the designer as a “silk covered headband, adorned with cut feathers and a silk bow.” The colour is lovely on her and the layered cut feathers give some beautiful dimension, height and movement to the design.

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Designer: Juliette Botterill. It is the Silk Feather Bow Band from AW 2019
Previously Worn: This headpiece is new

It’s a lovely parade of jewel-toned designs so far (we’ll look at remaining hats worn by the Wessex ladies, Princess Anne, the Countess of Snowdon and Lady Sarah Chatto tomorrow). For now, what are your thoughts on these first five designs? Enjoy the Queen’s Christmas message below.

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 

This Week’s Extras

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Princess Alexandra repeated a grey straw hat by Rachel Trevor Morgan on Wednesday for a visit to Leeds Castle in Kent to celebrate its 900th anniversary
On Thursday, Princess Benedikte attended the opening of the Jacob A. Riis Museum the Southwest Jutland city of Ribe in her repeated navy textured straw picture hat with curving, sideweeping brim.

Queen Mathilde and Princess Elisabeth were in Africa this week, visiting several UNICEF projects. After meeting with the Maasai in Kenya, they came away gifted with names “Namayiana” (blessed one) and “Nasieku” (first born) and these traditional headdresses

On Friday, Queen Margrethe presented a military award, repeating her new terra cotta orange straw hat with navy hatband. Yesterday, she took part in events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the execution of a Danish resistance group in her refined pink straw hat with white trim.
Princess Hisako and Princess Tsuguko took part in American Independence Day celebrations today at the Tokyo American Club. Princess Hisako wore a biscuit straw hat with very short, rolled brim while Princess Tsuguko topped her floral dress with a lovely wider brimmed hat trimmed with flowers.

Make sure to cast your vote in the 2019 Millinery Association of Australia Design Award People’s Choice category– there are some truly astounding hats

The following new millinery designs caught my eye this week:

Orange parsisal button percher with peach blossom vine by American milliner Karen Morris
Kokoshnik bandeau headpiece covered in pink pearls by British milliner Jane Taylor
Black and white straw design with flying bow by Czech milliner Jolana Kotabova
Blue straw percher with crimson silk floral trim by Australian brand Felicity Northeast Millinery
Fanciful maribou-edged brim on this grey, pink & white ombre design by Danish milliner Mathilde Thoe Førster
Green leaf shaped disc hat with gold quills by Irish milliner Teresa Nugent
Striking stripes! Trio of eye catching striped hats by American milliner Behida Dolić
Slate blue saucer embroidered with tropical birds by Australian brand Amanda Lynn Millinery
Chic pink and cream straw fedoras with slim silver hatbands from French milliner Laurence Bossion
Stunning transparent brim on this navy and marine blue picture hat by Dutch milliner Myra van de Korput
Dusky pink straw percher with flying bow and chenille rosebud veil by Australian milliner Jill Humphries
Lovely textured sage green Florentine stitched straw summer hat by British milliner Siana Yewdall
And two hats that made me catch my breath- first is this natural straw beret percher with exquisitely ethereal handmade silk iris flowers and leaves by Leicester-based milliner Guilia Mio
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I'm so proud of finally share this little beauty I've made for a lovely #motherofthegroom! 💜💜💜 She came to me with a stunning dress, we start talking about flowers and for some reason I told her I can see irises on her hat...she looked at me and she said that irises are her favourite flower and she has a lot I her garden!!!! It was meant to be!!! . . For enquiries about #bespoke hats visit my website (#linkinbio👈 ) or PM me . . @giulia.mio.millinery #couturehats #couturemillinery #millinery #bespokemillinery #giuliamiomillinery #weddingseason #summerwedding #specialoccasion #gardenwedding #silkflowers #irises #handmade #madeinleicester #madetomatch #motherofthebride #weddingguest #leicester #supportleicesterlocal

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and second is this stunning turquoise design with parasisal crown, two-toned double layer sinamay brim, hand rolled flying bow and turquoise guipure lace applique by Dutch milliner Wies Mauduit. Truly- this hat caught my eye before I realized who made it!

A possible answer to widespread questions about Princess Haya’s absence at Royal Ascot. Whatever is going on in this situation, I’m sure you all join me in wishing her and her children safety and peace.

Photos from social media as indicated

Royal Ascot Day 3: Princess Eugenie

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It is my pleasure to be joined today by Ellie Vallerini, creator of Sussex-based Ellie Vallerini Hats, to chat about all the royal hats today at Ascot!  

Princess Eugenie choose dark teal for Ladies’ Day today at Royal Ascot, wearing what is described as its milliner as, “a 12” silk covered saucer covered in beautifully detailed and intricate Lady Amherst feathers and finished with a sculptural, ornate gold quill.”

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Royal Hats: Eugenie wears this deep colour so well and the pairing of this dress and hat is outstanding on her. I love how the layered feathers on the hat give textural and subtle colour contrast to the otherwise monochrome look- it’s not one-note at all. If I were to change one thing it would be to enlarge the hat a bit, giving it a bit more presence and drama.

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Ellie Vallerini: Princess Eugenie looks lovely in this deep teal colour. The hat is a nice style and matches well, it also creates a good sideways line across the face which is always flattering. However I do think the hat could have been a little bigger and maybe with more curled quills in matching tones to give some extra drama, I feel that one lonely quill looks a bit lost, although I realise it does break up the roundness of the disc shape which is always good.

Royal Hats: Good call on the quill. Why not give it two more companions for a grouping of three?!

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Designer: Bundle MacLaren. It is the Elspeth Hat. Dress by Cefinn
Previously Worn: This hat is new

What do you think of Eugenie’s hat today?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

 

Royal Ascot Day 1: Princess Eugenie

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It has been my honor to welcome Toronto-based milliner Jay Cheng, creator of Jaycow Millinery to Royal Hats for the first day of the races today!

Princess Eugenie topped a pleated teal blue dress with yellow skirt panel with a bright yellow straw button percher hat. The button and headband on which it sits are embellished with clear crystal beads.

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Royal Hats: When I saw that yellow stripe in the skirt of Eugenie’s teal dress, the hat suddenly made sense. The hat is quirky and cute- it’s a colour we don’t often see royal hats but that works well on a small hat and looks great against Eugenie’s dark hair.  I’m not sure this hat would jump out to me on its own in a millinery collection but it’s styled really well here. I love the teal and yellow combination and how the sleek, almost stark lines of each piece work so well together to create an interesting and balanced overall look.

Jay Cheng: I have mixed feeling about the hat. I love the bright yellow beret with wide headband. It’s very chic and eccentric and the the headband plays off on the yellow stripe of the dress. Love the ultra modern total look. However, as an Ascot hat, maybe adding a simple trim can be considered. The young generation of Royals are taking the lead in fashion!

Designer. Maggie Mowbray. It is the “Dapple Beret” in yellow. Dress by Calvin Klein
Previously Worn: this hat is new

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

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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

Yorks Cheer As Duke Leads Colonel’s Review

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The Colonel’s Review (the second rehearsal for Trooping the Colour) took place yesterday with the Duke of York as the Inspecting Officer in his role as Colonel . His regiment is marked by the white plume in his bearskin hat.

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The Duke’s family was there to cheer him on. Princess Beatrice wore a black button percher hat trimmed with a contoured straw brim, topped with silk lining, that wraps around the hat in a double crescent with one point curling around the back. It’s a modern, dynamic piece that’s unlike anything we’ve seen Beatrice wear and I’m definitely a fan.

Designer: Annabel Allen Millinery. It is the “Eve” design.
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Princess Eugenie topped her yellow lace dress with a pink knotted bandeau headpiece described by the designer as “made in a lovely pink tweed from Liton Tweeds, with a pink spot veiling.” As far as bandeaux go, this one is good- the knot gives it some height and the mix of tweed and dotted veil gives great texture. I’m just not keen on the pairing of pink tweed headpiece and yellow lace dress.

Designer: Fernanda Lewis. It is the “Veiled Knot in Pink Tweed”
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Sarah, Duchess of York, repeated black felt calot trimmed with a rolld bow and open-weave veil.

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: July 29, 2017; June 7, 2017; July 23, 2016; January 9, 2007; and this undated occasion

We don’t often see the entire York family attend an event and with the four of them in hats, well, that’s even more rare. The standout hat for me here is the one worn by Princess Beatrice- what do you think?

Photos from Getty as indicated