A sensational race day outfit is not complete without a show-stopping hat. So, Rescu. asked Sydney milliner Suzy O’Rourke to reveal what’s hot in hats and headpieces right now…
RESCU: What is the significance and history of hats being worn to the races?
Suzy O’Rourke: Hats have played an important role in the history of horse racing for centuries, dating as far back as August 1711 when the first race meeting was held at the world famous Royal Ascot in the United Kingdom. There it was decreed that ‘all guests within the Royal Enclosure adhere to a strict dress code: male attendees must wear full morning dress including a top hat, whilst ladies must not show bare midriffs or shoulders and must wear hats’.
It didn’t take long for the Royal dress code to catch on at the major racetracks around the world… albeit a less severe dress code than at Royal Ascot, race goers still respect the tradition of appropriate attire and of course a hat.
RESCU: Can you share some tips for selecting the perfect hat for this season’s Spring Carnival? / Do you have a favourite style?
Suzy O’Rourke:
DO:
- If selecting a Wide Brim style, try one with an asymmetrical line that shadows one eye – you’ll be very enchanting and people can get close enough to talk to you
- Can’t go wrong with a Trilby – always simple and always chic
- A Mini Beret or Headband with one stunning trim feature will be a dramatic look yet comfortable and light
Don’t:
- Don’t go for hats that are too large and heavy and end up ‘wearing’ you
- Don’t go for hats with too much embellishment and fluff – simplicity is always the best option
- Don’t wear a hat that will compete with your outfit – if you want your headpiece to shine (which you may as well as its Race time!) keep the outfit simple
ALWAYS
Stand tall and enjoy wearing our piece with confidence!
RESCU: Which celebrity ‘hat’ moment do you admire most?
Suzy O’Rourke:
I have 2:
For cool elegance: The 1971 wedding of the very chic Bianca Jagger to Mick when she teamed a classic white wide brim hat with her YSL white tuxedo jacket and YSL dress.
For a wonderful mad moment: can’t go past Isabella Blow turning up at a McQueen show wearing Philip Treacy’s Birds of a Feather hat, made from gilded eagle quills that she wore perched on her head with an accompanying ball and chain… we need more moments like these.
RESCU: What was your inspiration for this season?
Suzy O’Rourke: My current collection ‘Bloom’ was inspired by the magnificent garden at my new studio in Darling Point. The centrepiece of the garden is a majestic magnolia tree in full bloom. I have used an array of beautiful straws sculpted into shapes with dramatic lines and exquisite feather trims.
RESCU: Brides are wearing hats and hair pieces. Can you share any style suggestions and guidelines for brides who are looking for an alternative to the veil?
Suzy O’Rourke: Beautiful French hand tooled roses, camellias, lilies created in your gown fabric or a beautiful antique jewel with vintage veil that sweeps across the eyes to enchant your future husband as your eyes meet on the aisle.
RESCU: What about other occasions? Where else can we wear hats?
Suzy O’Rourke: A hat can be worn to every occasion…
- Velvet and Beaded Cocktail shapes – enchanting for parties and intimate dinners
- Sharp man-style trilbys/Fedoras – Saturday afternoons and Sunday brunch
- Berets – Afternoon cocktails at your favourite wine bar
- Light lacy weave straws for market browsing and summer picnic and parties
- Dramatic headpieces – race wear
RESCU: The Fascinator trend was big a few seasons ago, what’s big and fashion forward now?
Suzy O’Rourke: I have never been a fan of the ‘fascinator’, which I would describe as a small fluffy piece.
A great hat never goes out of style… Stick to the following and your hat will be a lifelong treasured investment:
- simple lines
- great sculptural shapes
- exquisite trims and detail – the devil is in the detail
- luxurious fabrics
- a little bit of wit – hats like life are made for enjoyment
How should we be storing and caring for our hats?
Always put in a hat box to protect from light and dust and cushioned with plenty of acid free tissue paper.
For more info and pictures of Suzy’s handcrafted creations (modelled throughout the article by Jessica Cove) go to www.suzyorourke.com.au
Or you can contact her on 0412 194 101 and suzy@suzyorourke.com.au
Rescu. wants to know about your hat wearing habits. Tell us about your winning styles in the comments selection below.
Clockwise from top left: Pheasant Firework Headband, Lace Riding Cap, Black Fishnet Trilby, Feathered Orchids Headband in Aubergine. The hat at the beginning of the article is the Ostrich Fringe Spiral Headpiece.
