Royal Ascot Millinery Collective debuts Cecil Beaton-inspired hats at Waldorf Astoria

The Royal Ascot Millinery Collective, now in its 11th year, presented its 2026 collection inspired by British photographer Cecil Beaton's Roaring Twenties and '30s portraits. The collection debuted at London Fashion Week in February before traveling to an exhibition at Waldorf Astoria New York, in partnership with Silent Pool, the racecourse's official gin. The collective brings together 11 milliners, from celebrated Stephen Jones—who designed Lady Gaga's feathered headpiece for the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony—to newcomer Finley Howie, a graduate of the Chanel & The King's Foundation Métiers d'Art Millinery Fellowship 2026. Howie's hats were inspired by Queen Elizabeth II's 1961 royal tour of India. Daniel Fletcher, Royal Ascot's creative director, said Beaton's quote about being daring and different guided the brief. Tom Johnson, Ascot Racecourse's commercial director, noted millinery is a key part of the Royal Ascot experience and the event helps keep the craft alive. The Royal Enclosure dress code requires hats (not fascinators) for women and top hats for men.