Royal Ascot's annual Millinery Collective gets an artsy new spin under ... trends now

The Royal Ascot is the anticipated society event of the summer, typically touted for its sophisticated, strictly upkept fashion code. 

But under the guidance of British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher, the event's first Creative Director, it has been leaning into a more artful aesthetic.

And it has now unveiled its Royal Ascot Millinery Collective - originally conceived as an inspirational guide for racegoers to explore the global world of hat design, drawing inspiration from bygone eras as well as innovative techniques and materials - under his reimagined, more avant-garde influence.

This year's offering showcases a diverse array of designers from around the globe, spanning from Dubai to New York, London to Ireland.

It aims to spotlight and support the millinery industry's finest creatives and features 12 bespoke hats crafted by industry veterans and emerging talents.

Renowned talents including Stephen Jones OBE, Awon Golding, Noel Stewart, Edwina Ibbotson, and Alison Tod - who have previously worked with royalty as well as celebrities including Rihanna and Beyoncé - feature alongside more emerging talents.

Newer and international designers such as Evetta Petty, Rafa Peinador, Nikole Tursi, and Evelyn McDermott are also on the roster.

The chic photoshoot to capture this year's collection also embraced a more high-fashion approach with theatrical lighting and stylish imagery captured by David Vail.

The hats on offer range from a gravity-defying red wide brim design surrounded by scarlet feathers to an admiral-style inspired number.

Elsewhere, one features a simple floral touch with white rose decor, whereas a more experimental headpiece wraps around the whole face. 

'It's been a huge privilege for me to work with some of the world's best milliners on this year's Royal Ascot Millinery Collective,' Daniel Fletcher said.

'Hat design is a unique art, and each of the 12 milliners has brought something different through the pieces they have created.

'Bringing together some of Britain's most famed milliners with emerging talent, and designers from around the world has resulted in a beautiful collection to inspire racing style for the summer season.

'It was incredibly important for me to incorporate the work of emerging designers who are leading the way in this field, and I love the innovative and unexpected twist they have added to the overall look and feel of the collection.'

Elsewhere, Ascot Racecourse brand and creative lead Alexandra Bertram added that this year's collective 'really represents a new approach'.

'Alongside his first Royal Ascot Lookbook launched in March, I cannot think of a better place for the most trusted source of style inspiration for this summer's social season,' she continued.

'It's always such a pleasure to work with such talented milliners and to understand how each design is turned into reality.

'There is such a rich history to hat wearing, and there isn't another occasion on earth quite like Royal Ascot, where hats are such an iconic part of the landscape.

'Whether it's a top hat or a finely crafted piece of millinery art, it's a total joy to see people feel their very best.'