Hats off to a jubilee epic Epsom festival
THE Investec Derby Festival is one of the highlights of the social and sporting season, and this year it promises to be the grandest yet as the Queen marks the beginning of her Diamond Jubilee weekend celebrations on the second day of the festival on Saturday 2 June.
The festival at Epsom, for which City A.M. is the official paper, kicks off with Investec Ladies Day on Friday 1 June, when the fashion world pulls out all the stops and dons its best couture, with model Laura Bailey announced as the “official” face’ of this year’s event. And it would not be a racing event without the presence of an official milliner to represent the requisite flamboyant headwear, which this year is celebrity designer Philip Treacy.
“Horseracing, fashion and beautiful hats go hand in hand and creating a hat for Laura Bailey to wear to the Investec Derby is a fantastic opportunity,” said Treacy, whose hats have crowned the heads of The Duchess of Cambridge, Madonna and Lady Gaga.
London-based jeweller Theo Fennell has also paid homage to the Queen and celebrated the Derby by designing a diamond necklace “to celebrate the Sport of Kings”.
Katherine Jenkins will perform the national anthem and acclaimed jockey Willie Carson will be this year’s guest of honour.