Ascot

What's the deal with Ascot and the hats? The famous English horse race has been held in Ascot since 1711. On the third race day, the most important race for the Gold Cup is held. This day is also called "Ladies' Day" and offers women a unique opportunity to showcase themselves with a spectacular hat. The motto is "to see and to be seen".

While women flaunt their magnificent hats, which can't be bigger and more colourful, men must adhere to a strict dress code. A black or grey suit, black shoes, and a similarly dark-coloured top hat or chapeau claque are mandatory for men. Those who violate the rules, such as adding a coloured band to adorn the hat's trim, will not be admitted to the stands. The dress code for women is limited to a few regulations, as the hat holds higher importance. A dress must be at least knee-length, the hat must have a circumference of at least 10 cm, and it must harmonise with the outfit, ideally drawing all eyes to it.

Typically, women wear their hats only once to this event and then auction them off, with the proceeds going to a good cause. Each year, more conspicuous designs are seen. One might think that on this day, it's not the horse race but the hats that take centre stage.

While the presence of celebrities is somewhat incidental, there is a certain excitement each year to see who presents themselves in Ascot with which headgear. Members of the English royal family are always represented. However, the splendour on a lady's head says nothing about her social status, as it's not uncommon for bourgeois women to wear larger and more pompous hats than the nobility.