Off to the Races!
by Jen Labbett.
When I first moved back to London having left as a child and returning at the grand old age of 28, there was quite the learning curve to be had in terms of national events – I had no idea how beloved football was to us as a country, didn’t realise the extent of the festival culture and had never been to the horse races. Having taken a job at a progressive digital marketing company that loved to pander to its clients, showering them with posh nights out and special hospitality days at things like the F1 or the horse racing. My first introduction to a beloved British tradition which is renowned for its (sometimes outlandish) fashion and an excuse to drink Pimm’s & lemonade and gamble (hopefully with someone else’s money).
So what will the posh attendees of this year’s Royal Ascot find themselves carefully treading on grassy terrain betrothed in? One thing I learned quickly was that sometimes the planning that goes into Royal Ascot outfits is a year long preparation given the time it takes to design & create the amazing headpieces from large, over-the-top sun hats with mammoth proportions to the daintiest of fascinators that do, indeed, fascinate. But it’s not just the hats that need to be carefully curated; it has long been tradition to make sure your entire wardrobe is fit for purpose from the dress to the hat to the all-important Royal Ascot handbag.
Well, this year we’ve seen the trend with mini bags continue vibrantly on the runways and we know there’s a sharp lean into the country-inspired theme thanks to the uber-popular release from Beyonce. As well there is a great floral vibe prominent in 2024 that is inspiring ladies to incorporate true spring tones into their fashion choices and we aren’t short on choice for the adoring audience to ogle our bags as well as our hats.
I’m so glad that the shift towards western fashion has finally materialised as this particular trend is so much fun and can be accessorised with flair. Nothing says country western like denim and if you’ve been bold enough to choose a dress that is either accentuated with denim or, braver still, a full denim frock, there is an array of equally audacious handbags to compliment the look. A great handbag to make your denim outfit pop is the Fendi Baguette Denim Crossbody which is replete with the world famous Fendi logo throughout the fabric body of the bag.
Fendi
Baguette Denim Crossbody
In addition to the logo embroidery, this luxury handbag is adorned with 100% calfskin leather embellishments as well as the silver-toned metal Fendi logo clasp. The size of this purse makes it a great candidate for a Royal Ascot look as it’s roomy enough to keep you well kept in your hospitality booth and hold enough makeup to keep your face on point throughout the whole event.
Just to give a great comparison bag and show how one differing feature can change up a whole denim look, the Dior 30 Montaigne East-West bag is a perfect example of doing just that.
Dior
30 Montaigne East-West Bag with Chain
Similarly embossed with the Dior logo across its 100% cotton fabric body, the bag is crafted in blue Denim Dior Oblique jacquard, offering a new take on the iconic house motif with the modern appeal of an irregular stone washed effect. But the real difference between the two handbags is the flap which has an antique gold-finish metal CD clasp, inspired by the seal of a Christian Dior perfume bottle. Other details, like the embossed 30 Montaigne signature on the back, highlight the streamlined style. The bag features a removable chain strap with a leather insert that allows it to be comfortably carried by hand, worn over the shoulder or crossbody, making it comfortable to wear and also a safe way to carry your essentials without anything spilling out when you’re celebrating your horse’s win.
Nothing says Royal Ascot handbag like sparkles and what looks even more fabulous with sparkles than flowers? Royal Ascot is a walking flower garden for horse racing and taking on the spring theme that is hitting the runways this year, my favourite pick for a handbag working with florals has got to be the Aspinal Hand Embroidered Midi Mayfair bag. This limited-edition Mini Mayfair offers refined vintage styling, perfect for making an elegant statement in front of your clients and easily recycled at further summer events. Handcrafted from opulent velvet with a full-grain leather trim, the front panels are elevated by an intricate hand-embroidered silk illustration of an English garden bird perched on delicate flora and fauna.
Aspinal
Embroidered Midi Mayfair Bag
Paired with a solid sequined day dress, this bag exudes spring flowers and all things renewing for an amazing midsummer celebration and an unforgettable annual event. Another great contender for the floral entry to this category (if price is not a factor in your shopping experience – I wish it wasn’t for me!) is the Small Lady D-Joy Bag from Dior.
Dior
Small Lady D-Joy Bag
Replete with a chunky price tag of £6,300, the small Lady-D captures the House’s vision of elegance and beauty by showcasing the iconic streamlined aesthetic of the Lady Dior line. Constructed in calfskin, the bag is embroidered with the ecru multicolour Dior 4 Saisons Été Soleil motif by Pietro Ruffo, celebrating the season’s signature sun theme with a bucolic summery design punctuated by the words, “Le soleil brillant, l’été célèbre sa joie sans fin”. Pale gold-finish metal D.I.O.R. charms enhance and illuminate the silhouette. Featuring one removable chain strap and another adjustable and removable leather strap, the small Lady D-Joy bag can be carried by hand, worn over the shoulder or crossbody as a daily companion. There are plenty of bags in the vortex between these two dynamic floral pieces so everyone looking to whoop it up over many bottles of champagne with some extra summertime flair will find the perfect bag.
Sometimes when looking to make a statement with your look, the idea that smaller is better really rings true as you may be prancing from Royal Ascot itself to a sponsored company dinner and any number of shenanigans well into the night. If your goal is to pack some serious fashion into a smaller package, look no further than the truly trendy mini handbag. Not known to be the most practical of bags, we have seen a major uplift in mini bags over the last season or so and one of my favourite in this category is the Prada Re-Edition 1978 Re-Nylon mini-pouch which comes in a whole array of colours and at £480, it’s not breaking the bank so there will be room in the budget for a pair of equally fabulous shoes to complete your look or to give your milliner a little bonus for some extra extravagance..
Prada
Re-Edition 1978 Re-Nylon Mini-Pouch
Not only is this mini bag part of the SEA BEYOND initiative which is the educational program launched in 2019 by Prada Group and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). to raise awareness on sustainability and ocean preservation, it is also a handy little addition for the bare essentials needed for a day at the races. This is a statement piece that can elevate your outfit and be used on the go when you’re heading home.
All-in-all, the Royal Ascot is such a long-held tradition and festive season for all us Brits – it’s the only time us ladies stand the chance of making the newspapers dressed our very best and not being accosted by a reporter on the street. All the anticipation, all the planning and all the celebration, Royal Ascot is always a national day to remember and an event you’ll always look back on fondly (unless you lose a few too many times). From country western to adding to your growing mini-handbag collection to indulging in all things flowery, shopping for the races this year should be that extra bit fun. One piece of advice, whatever you do, don’t leave your bag behind no matter how much Pimm’s or champagne you indulge in!
Bags of Note
Judith Leiber
Peony Clutch
Aspinal of London
Floral Egg Clutch
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
