The Pimms hat has been created for Ascot
Gearing up for Royal Ascot’s Ladies Day, race-goers will be hoping for sunshine to accompany the myriad of stylish outfits and hats on display. But, if the tricksy British weather is anything to go by, punters will need more than just Lady Luck on their side.
So, to prevent wardrobe-washouts, leading milliner, Judy Bentinck, has created a hat that’s bound to turn heads; the Pimmbrella, a hat for any weather occasion, meaning come rain or shine, you’ll be a winner on Ladies Day.
The headpiece, commissioned by Pimm’s, the makers of the tipple which sells over 125,000 glasses each year during the five day meeting, comes complete with all-weather accessories. A jaunty umbrella protects against dastardly downpours, while a set of sunglasses ensures glare-free viewing in sunshine, so the wearer can make the most of the day’s racing.
Taking nearly one month to make, the hat includes 567 stitches and seven metres of fabric.
Judy’s creations are no stranger to Royal Ascot, with celebs including Clare Balding and Anna Williamson sporting bonny bonnets crafted by the London-based milliner in previous years. She said of her latest headpiece: “Ladies Day at Royal Ascot is the meeting when everyone dresses to impress, going to great lengths to stand out from the crowd. I wanted to celebrate the unpredictable British weather in the design, while creating a hat that’s a real ‘head turner’, so you can take the reins in the style stakes no matter what the weather.”
Emma Humfrey, 25 from Balham, London, added: “With the changeable British weather, it can be really difficult to know quite what to wear. I’ve so often been caught out by a sudden downpour on what was an otherwise sunny day or left the house dressed for wet weather only to be met by unexpected sunshine. As well as making a bold style statement, this hat accommodates all eventualities, so come rain or shine, I’ll be able to enjoy the races – and, of course, a cheeky glass of Pimm’s!”
After making its debut at Royal Ascot, the Pimmbrella will be far from put out to pasture; the hat will be given away to one lucky fan on the Pimm’s Facebook page on 19 June.
Tagged in fashion