As Royal Ascot approaches for another year, let’s turn our attention to the magnificent side that exists off the track, the FASHION STAKES!! We asked two of our fantastic milliners that we are partnered with to set aside a few minutes and answer a few questions to help you all decide what you might want to wear during the world famous week. Lisa Tan and Matthew Eluwande are two of our favorite milliners, both currently residing in the UK, their designs have been seen on ladies at racetracks all over the world. 
What colors will we see trending this year at Royal Ascot? Lisa Tan: I think black and white will be dominant this year, as it’s what we’ve seen coming through garment-wise for spring/summer 2013. There will also be pops of bright citrus colors, like tangerine and lemon, and pure white is also a great choice for summer. Matthew Eluwande: The color that will be treading at the royal Ascot this year will ranges from Dusk blue, lilac to Emerald green, poppy red, olive green not to forget good old ivory. Is it a year for big exotic designs or are ladies leaning to towards more structured pieces? Lisa Tan: For some reason, almost all of my clients want bigger, brighter and bolder pieces this year. When they come in and see my hats, they instantly gravitate towards the larger styles, then say, “Do you have anything bigger?” – and I don’t! Usually clients will start by trying on the smaller pieces and build up to a large hat, but it’s been the opposite this year. I think we’re going to see a lot of stand-out styles at Royal Ascot. Matthew Eluwande: I think it’s going to be a combination of both. Comfort Vs Design? What’s really more important?
Lisa Tan: I always try to encompass both in my designs, and I like to road-test my hats to make sure they sit and stay well on the head for a decent period of time. But there is nothing more off-putting than seeing a woman constantly fiddle and adjust a beautiful hat. If it’s not sitting well and you’re not feeling confident in it, then you should definitely opt for another style Matthew Eluwande: Design is more important, every lady want to show off the creativity of their design. Should ladies build an outfit around the hat? Or vice versa? Lisa Tan: The chicken or the egg theory… from personal experience, I find it’s much easier to find an outfit you really love, and then choose a hat. Particularly if you intend on seeing a milliner – you can usually visit a milliner and have something bespoke made on a smaller budget than having an outfit made to suit a hat (or the time and effort spent finding one!). And if you find a hat style you really love, most milliners will be able to modify it to suit your outfit, but it’s a lot harder to modify an outfit to suit a hat. Matthew Eluwande: I think it all depends on what you decide to get first, But for me I will pre fare that you get the outfit first and now plan your accessories around it Head wear inclusive. What are your most important factors when considering your outfit/headwear on raceday? 
Lisa Tan: The most important factor is staying power: can you last in your outfit/hat all day? If you make sure everything you’re wearing fits well, you’ll be more likely to go the distance without a wardrobe malfunction. Weather is also an important factor to consider – it’s always advisable to plan an outfit with a jacket included, and if there’s a chance of rain you should always take an umbrella as millinery fabrics will buckle when they get wet. Every racecourse has a cloakroom, so if you find you don’t need your jacket and umbrella, just cloak them. Matthew Eluwande: Weather is one of the most important factor. What’s your personal favorite thing about a day out the famed Royal Ascot meet? Lisa Tan: The fact that the Queen attends every day of Royal Ascot, making her way into the course and down the straight in a carriage is pretty special. And the singalong to classic songs played by a brass band at the end of the raceday is also something that can’t be missed. Matthew Eluwande: My personal Favorite thing about a day out at the royal Ascot is to see ladies and men with beautiful outfit with amazing colors. What’s your guilty pleasure when you’re at the track?
Lisa Tan: I probably spend too much time looking at the fashion, and not enough time looking at the form. But for every few women who get racewear right, there is always one who gets it spectacularly wrong, and these are the outfits that pique my interest the most. Matthew Eluwande: Hats hats and lots of hats! Where do you think is the best place to see all the absolutely stunning outfits and millinery? Lisa Tan: At the entrance to the racecourse near the parade ring, that’s where all the photographers gather and every woman who wants to be seen will enter via that gate. Matthew Eluwande: From the grand stand. Do you have any secret tips to give based on your own trips to Royal Ascot? L
isa Tan: I always arrive and leave Royal Ascot in flats. I pop them in a bag and leave them in the cloakroom. The Royal Procession into the racecourse starts around 2pm each day so if you want to see it, it’s worth taking a position around the parade ring well before then. Matthew Eluwande: Check the weather forecast before you go. If you could sit in a box for the day with anyone in the world, who would it be? Lisa Tan: The Queen, but mainly because I’d like to sit in the Royal Box! It’d be fascinating to know what goes on in there. Matthew Eluwande: The Queen! Are you in favor of the strict new fashion dress code or do you think it is a little too strict?
Lisa Tan: I’m in favor of it – especially the rules regarding the size of hats and banning fascinators. However, I do tend to struggle with the hemline rule, and I think as long as you are elegant and well-dressed, it shouldn’t matter if your hemline is an inch or two above your knees. Matthew Eluwande: In favor, I think the rules will bring back the good old days of the Royal Ascot. See all of Lisa’s hats (pictured on left) HERE. See all of Matthew’s hats (pictured on right) HERE. With Royal Ascot less than a month away ladies should be focusing on the big day and what they are going to wear. There is a strict dress code for this festival and the creators of it have put together a fantastic short film to give guidance to attendees.. Take a look here: