What to Wear to Queen’s Plate

Meet the ‘Official Milliner of the Queen’s Plate’

David Dunkley

David Dunkley has been named the Official Milliner of the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine in Toronto. David has been the first ever Official Milliner of this event and has held that Title for 5 years now designing beautiful pieces for the attendees and celebrities each year.

David began studying the art of Millinery in 2007, a master in his own right, David has studied with the former royal milliner to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. In keeping with this royal millinery lineage, Dunkley’s creations have been sported by members of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s royal entourage and presented to Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla).

David has brought his skill and creativity to many of the pieces that you seen worn each year at Toronto’s Queen’s Plate. Whether daring or demure, each of David’s hats is handcrafted, using time-honoured techniques of blocking, forming and embellishment. David’s inimitable vision offers patrons a new take on classic styles in every design, from breathtaking bridal millinery to Ascot-worthy creations.

David Dunkley Millinery has set up shop in Ontario, Canada where his designs have resided for 10 years. David has taught millinery to many aspiring students and also been a judge of the George Brown University’s Millinery Design Contest.

We caught up with David to ask him a few questions prior to this years big event:

How crazy is it preparing for the Queen’s Plate in your studio?

Not only am I swamped with couture millinery for the grand stand, this year I’m designing hats for more horse owners then any other year!

What is your favorite part about the Queen’s Plate Day?

The hats (of course!) That said I love the energy of the day, the people, judging the George Brown Student Millinery Competition

Why is millinery encouraged at the races?

Historically millinery was a visual of where one stood within society – millinery represented your wealth and status. Over the years this has changed and now millinery (while still representing one’s status) it has become a fun visual for attendees

What inspires you when you are creating pieces for this event?

This year my QP17 Couture Collection is inspired by Canada 150 – that said I was very aware of not wanting to create millinery covered in Maple Leafs – that’s too obvious. Consequently I was inspired by a vintage Victorian circus theme meets modern Canada 150. Pinks, blacks whites and red are my inspiration.

What trends do you think we will see this year?

Red and white is trending with Canada 150 and blue and white in all kinds of shades is popular

Are there any trends you wish would ‘go away?’

Gold tiaras – I don’t like them and can’t wait for the trend to end!

What would you say to someone who says ‘hats do not look good on me?’

I always say… “Great millinery is just like great garments, if the proportions and fit are custom are correct – you will wear the millinery and it won’t wear you”.

Images from DavidDunkley.me

What To Wear to the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine

It’s the week of and you still don’t have your outfit sorted?? Don’t worry! You can still pull off an amazing ensemble and impress the judges in the Queen’s Plate Fashion at the Races Contest.

Woodbine Racetrack’s Queen’s Plate has always had a fashionable flair but in the past few years with the Hats and Horseshoe’s Party, their fashion game has really stepped up. Just a few minutes outside the hip city of Toronto, ladies and gents dress in their stylish outfits and head to the track for a day of racing.

This track leaves the Vintage Style at home and brings more of a modern/trendy style to the walking ring. Metallic purses, fun sunglasses, and tailored separates show the unique fashion from the city. Bring neons or crisps whites, #QP17 fashion is sure to be clean and bold at the same time.

Many of the traditional Kentucky Derby Hats are left sleeping in their boxes while more fascinating fascinators head out to play. Last year if you weren’t able to get your millinery prior to raceday, you can shop in David Dunkley’s tent.

What better place to shop and prepare than Vaughan Mills! The winner of the Queen’s Plate Fashion at the Races Contest . The female winner will be awarded a $1000 shopping spree from Vaughan Mills. The male winner will take home a $1000 shopping spree and VIP Race package to Woodbine’s Mile in September.

Want to see what they wore this first year? Check out the gallery here.

Past Contest Judge, Sarah Francis, gives you her tips:

1. GO NEUTRAL – Black & white always look chic on race day. Take a black or white dress, then be sure to add the drama with your accessories. A bright fascinator, bold pink lip or statement shoes will totally pop against a neutral backdrop. But then again…

2.BE BOLD – If you’re tired of always wearing neutrals, race day is the perfect chance to step out of your comfort zone. Find a saturated shade that speaks to you, then get ready to turn heads in your fiercely bright frock.

3. FIND YOUR PRINTS CHARMING – If you’re bold enough to wear prints, QP is the time to really go all out. A bold floral maxi, pretty preppy gingham or even a quirky print will make a statement and help you stand out in the crowd.

4. NO FASCINATOR? FUHGEDDABOUDIT – As the Vaughan Mills Stylist, I’m tasked each year with finding creative ways to look Queen’s Plate ready on a budget. This means, finding affordable head-to-toe looks, including headpieces, from the stores at Vaughan Mills. Try adding multiple feather hair clips to make a statement, a wide brim hat to look totally ladylike, or a floral crown to make a chic statement.

5. HEEL, BOY – There’s so much to explore at Queen’s Plate that comfy(ish) shoes are a must. Low block-heel shoes are super on trend and ideal for race day. Pretty summer wedges are ideal if you want to score more height. And if you can’t live without killer heels, caged shoes give your ankles more support than a flimsy stiletto. It’s not a bad idea to pack a pair of cute flats if you plan on staying until last post or last call.

6. LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS – Think girls have all the fun when it comes to accessories? Think again. Queen’s Plate is one of the few events where men can seriously compete with the ladies. From bow-ties to pocket squares, from suspenders to patterned socks, from tie clips to lapel pins, more is more is more. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the hats…