Iconic Hats and Headpieces from Royal Ascot 2025: Inspiration and Trends
Every year, Royal Ascot is not only a key date on the racing calendar but also one of the most influential runways in the world when it comes to millinery. In this 2025 edition, the event celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective, with a collection that pays tribute to Parisian haute couture and classic Savile Row tailoring, under the creative direction of British designer Daniel Fletcher.
Far from being a simple British tradition, Ascot has become a space for artistic expression through the design of headpieces and hats. Craftsmanship, elegance, and respect for dress codes are the essence of this event, but rather than being restrictive, they are understood as a foundation for creative innovation.
A monochromatic aesthetic with character
This year’s collection stands out for its defining monochrome palette, ranging from deep blacks and metallics to soft creams and refined neutrals. This visual line has offered designers a sober base on which to play with volumes, architectural shapes, and exquisite details. A perfect balance between sophistication and personality.
We now look back at some of the most eye-catching and elegant headpieces that walked the grounds of Ascot this year, in a curated selection that mixes styles, profiles, and levels of fame. From royals and public figures to guests who surprised with true works of art on their heads — all of them reflect the creative spirit that defines this event.
The most iconic headpieces of Royal Ascot 2025
King Charles III and Queen Camilla
On the opening day of Royal Ascot 2025, King Charles III once again embraced tradition with his iconic black top hat, a classic piece of the Royal Enclosure dress code, impeccably paired with his grey morning suit.
Queen Camilla, for her part, wore a sophisticated headpiece designed by Philip Treacy in light blue tones. The piece, crafted from sinamay, featured refined rooster coque feathers that added an elegant finish to the ensemble.
Charlotte Hawkins
Presenter Charlotte Hawkins made a splash in a vibrant fuchsia outfit, featuring a tall and elegant headpiece in the same tone, creating a striking monochromatic effect. Designed by Lisa Von Hallwyl, the headpiece, with a textile-covered base, included an elaborate arrangement of waterfowl feathers, adding a modern and bold touch to the classic Queen Anne Enclosure dress code.
Princess Beatrice of York
Princess Beatrice of York dazzled at the opening of Royal Ascot 2025 in a pink gingham look by Beulah London, paired with a pale pink headpiece by designer Juliette Botterill. The piece, made of fine sinamay straw and beautifully adorned with a cascading abaca silk ribbon shaped into spiral bows, was eye-catching and matched the outfit perfectly.
Georgia Toffolo
Georgia Toffolo surprised with an oversized hat designed by Jane Taylor London. It was a wide-brimmed hat with a fine straw base, completely covered in luxurious ostrich feathers in black and white, creating a dreamy silhouette that moved with every breeze.
Liubov Clark
Clark opted for a midi-cut dress with a floral print by Karen Millen, leaving little room for subtlety. But the most spectacular piece was her sculptural headpiece by Marta Holod, featuring a turquoise sinamay base and a central fuchsia fabric flower with pleated crinoline in a fan shape. A bold design that celebrated the energy of summer at Royal Ascot.
Valerie Stark
Valerie Stark chose a piece composed of a lined cap base, featuring a montage of duck/goose feathers cut into fine, pointed leaf shapes. A three-dimensional design that remained true to the Royal Ascot dress code.
Adot Gak
Adot Gak stunned in a sophisticated black headpiece. Inspired by classic design, it featured an elegant and refined silhouette. With a sinamay base, its asymmetric placement and subtle veil detail complemented each other perfectly, projecting an image of distinction that didn’t go unnoticed.
These are just some of the most iconic headpieces Royal Ascot 2025 has brought us, but the truth is, there have been many surprising, creative, and sophisticated proposals this year. Millinery remains a powerful form of expression, where every detail counts and every design tells a story.
And you, which headpiece would you choose?
Was there one you loved? Or do you think another deserved to be on this list?
We invite readers to leave their comments, we’d love to hear your opinion!