Royal Ascot unveils 2026 Millinery Collective showcasing innovative hat designs to inspire racegoers in Windsor Great Park

Even though Ladies Day is still a few months away, Royal Ascot has already given fashion enthusiasts a reason to celebrate.

The annual Royal Ascot Millinery Collective has been unveiled, showcasing a dazzling array of hats that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary creativity.

Set against the backdrop of London Fashion Week, the collection highlighted how statement headwear remains a central part of Ascot style, offering a preview of the dramatic, whimsical, and elegant designs that racegoers can expect this June at Windsor Great Park.

Creative Vision Led by Daniel Fletcher

The 2026 collection was guided by British designer Daniel Fletcher, who has been at the helm of the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective for several years.

Fletcher brought together some of the world’s top milliners to reinterpret the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s, drawing inspiration from British photographer Cecil Beaton.

Guests at the intimate London showcase included Kim Turnbull, Romeo Beckham’s girlfriend, and Kelly Osbourne, who admired sculptural straw designs, architectural pillboxes, dramatic picture discs, veils, and couture floral headpieces.

World-Renowned Milliners and Rising Talent Shine

Leading milliners like Stephen Jones OBE, head milliner at Christian Dior and designer for Princess Diana and Rihanna, were featured alongside emerging talent.

Emily Hurst, winner of the £10,000 Royal Ascot bursary in partnership with CHANEL and The King’s Foundation Métiers d’Art Millinery Fellowship, presented her designs to wide acclaim.

Hurst described seeing her creations on the runway as “surreal,” noting that the show celebrated both heritage and innovation, giving milliners a platform to merge tradition with contemporary flair.

Standout Pieces Captivate the Audience

Some of the collection’s most talked-about designs included a lilac top hat paired with dramatic netting, an elegant green fascinator, and a brown angled hat with an oversized bow.

Fletcher complemented the hats with cream tailored trouser suits, adhering to Royal Enclosure dress code traditions while adding a modern twist.

“Each designer brings a singular vision and passion to their work,” Fletcher said.

“The show reaffirms Royal Ascot’s role at the forefront of raceday style and summer fashion.”

Royal Ascot’s Historic Appeal

Royal Ascot, running from June 16–20, 2026, remains the jewel of the UK racing calendar.

Known for its combination of sporting excellence and social spectacle, the event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Windsor Great Park.

King Charles and Queen Camilla, avid racing fans, are expected to take part in the iconic carriage procession along the course.

The festival’s roots date back to 1825, during the reign of King George IV, and the race meeting itself was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, who described Ascot as ideal for “horses fit for kings.”

Today, the event is as much about fashion and society as it is about horse racing.

What’s Next?

As June approaches, anticipation is building for Ladies Day, where millinery enthusiasts and racegoers alike will showcase bold, innovative, and elegant hats on the Ascot grounds.

Designers from the Millinery Collective are expected to inspire countless bespoke creations, influencing raceday style trends for the summer.

Fashion aficionados will be watching closely to see which statement hats make their mark on the global stage.

Summary

Royal Ascot has unveiled its 2026 Millinery Collective, featuring head-turning designs from leading and emerging milliners under Daniel Fletcher’s creative direction.

The collection draws on 1920s and 1930s glamour, Cecil Beaton’s photography, and contemporary fashion sensibilities.

Standout pieces include lilac top hats, sculptural pillboxes, and couture floral designs.

The event underscores Ascot’s dual role as a premier racing festival and a high-society fashion destination, with King Charles and Queen Camilla set to participate in June’s races.

Emerging milliners like Emily Hurst also received widespread acclaim, highlighting the blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation that defines Ascot style.