Stephen Jones
"What we have seen recently is the death of the fascinator. Now small hats have become much more vertical, and those are obviously great for shorter women who want to be more imposing and they provide a dramatic millinery statement, and work particularly well with dresses. For someone who is wearing a tailored jacket or a coat, the boater is now one of the highest fashion statements, because it has a sort of strictness and a simplicity, which looks very now."
Monika Neuhauser
"Brimmed hats. Whether it's a romantic boater, a stylish Fedora or a vintage inspired Dior shape brimmed hats have had a comeback and will continue to show strongly well into coming seasons."
Jonathan Howard - Hatmaker
"I think the wide-brim hat is a great classic race look, dramatic without being scary. I also think if you're tall or have very tall heels, high-waisted trousers with a flare would look great for woman at the races."
Natalie Chan
"Millinery trends that I am seeing are the return of the boaters and their embellished version, which is my favourite at the moment, called the canotier. Canotiers are traditionally worn at weddings in Spain, but this can be translated to be styled easily at our New Zealand summer events, such as the races and polo. Cute and easy to wear button and pillbox hats are flying out the door at my boutique for the ladies going to the races and as wedding guests, as they aren't over the top to wear, but make a statement."
Myra Lloyd - Marmalade Hats
"The thing about a successful racing outfit is that it should tell a story. Not just in colour but in form and fabric. The hat completes an idea. Something soft and feminine showing the soft ruffled trend today should reflect the flowing lines something draped or veiled. A strong masculine shape may not be appropriate even if it is the right colour. The strong blocked colour trend seen today offers the opportunity to wear a strong shape in a striking colour. "Grandma's cupboard" or vintage styling offers the obvious choice. Whatever your preference the most important thing is to wear your hat with confidence."
Robyn Brooks - Ooby Ryn
"I have noticed a lot of new shapes so far this summer! Quite a lot of influence has come from Beatrice, with her head piece bang smack in the middle of her forehead. I personally have been enjoying working with the wider brimmed hats. I think they are modest, very elegant and sophisticated! And I love how the style and detail of a hat can transform your look from a casual one to something elegant and classy."
