The first Royal Ascot took place in 1711 and since then the annual races have become one of the most prestigious horse racing events for enthusiasts of the sport, and a highlight in the fashion calendar. This year Royal Ascot ran from 17th - 21st June, and over these three days the fashion spotlight was on all attendees as they dressed to impress in accordance with Ascot’s stringent dress code. Though the dress code varies depending on whether you've received an invitation to join the royals in the Royal Enclosure or if you're spending the day enjoying the energetic atmosphere of the silver ring, a general rule for women is dresses below the knee and straps no thinner than an inch - hats or fascinators must be worn by all.
Royal Ascot is a prime event for extravagant accessories, and the innovative, stunning and often bizarre creations from milliners across the globe, designed to be worn at Ascot, have with time become as much a part of the tradition as the racing itself. As much as we have enjoyed acting as headwear spectators at this year’s event, appreciating all hats from the sublime to the ridiculous, we are of course handbag lovers, and have been equally excited to spot the different bags which Ascot guests have been carrying onto the racecourse.
Which Royal wore it best?
Of course there would be no better place to start our selection of Ascot handbags than with Her Majesty the Queen herself. At this year’s Royal Ascot, Queen Elizabeth II teamed her classic suits with a selection of black patent bags. We love the timeless shape which the queen tends to use: a square structured bag with flapover opening. The handbag which the Queen wore to Ladies Day (the third day of Ascot) was reminiscent of Lulu Guinness’s large Amelia handbag which is also made from patent black material. Lulu’s Amelia handbag also has similar gold fastenings and dainty patent leather straps.
Another Royal whose style stood out at Ascot was Princess Beatrice of York who was spotted wearing a gorgeous midi skater shape skirt in bright orange with a cream embroidered jacket and a stylish, small black clutch bag. You can achieve this look with Tumble and Hide’s Florentina organiser, which is made from authentic Italian leather and ‘tumbled’ to create a smooth matte finish. The clutch comes with a detachable wrist strap and is closed with a dusty gold postman’s lock.
Handbags of the Grandstand - neutral vs bright
Opera singer Katherine Jenkins turned heads at this year’s Royal Ascot in a stunning turquoise Philip Treacy fascinator and minimalist cream clutch bag. Cream coloured accessories are a huge trend this season, and at Fiore we have our own selection of fabulous cream handbags for you to choose from. How about injecting a bit of colour into a cream clutch like Lulu Guinness has with her Leila envelope clutch, which features a signature LG red lip where the flapover meets the body of the bag? Otherwise, if you dare to go all white then we recommend Tula’s medium grab bag in a stylish ivory hue.
Former Miss World entrant Karen Carwin also attracted the attention of the press at this year’s Ascot with a gorgeous neutral ensemble beautifully contrasted by a hot pink clutch bag. Lulu Guinness’s medium Verity bag in magenta is the perfect handbag to recreate Karen Carwin’s Ascot look, with bright pink patent leather and gold fastenings. The Verity bag also features an adjustable strap, stone and cream striped lining, an interior zipped pocket, and a LG lipstick charm.
Get ready for the races with a handbag from Fiore
Are you off for a day at the races at some point this summer? If you have yet to find a handbag to accompany your race day outfit then have a browse of our fantastic range of designer handbags, purses and accessories online or in store.
