By David Wilkes


When it comes to Royal Ascot, the most closely-fought race is always the one between the fashionistas.

Feathers and fascinators emerged as the favourites at the first day of the event yesterday – with some racegoers going to such heights to catch the eye that they obscured their own view.

Hat designer Tracy Rose raised the stakes with her outlandish black, white, yellow and pink creation, which matched both her dress and her nail varnish.

Colour co-ordinated: Hat designer Tracy Rose

Eye eye: Not exactly a bird's eye view

Plumage: A peacock-inspired headpiece

Now THAT'S a hat: Anneka Tanaka-Svenska in a Louis Mariette head-piece at Royal Ascot


But Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, who accompanied the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on the traditional carriage procession around the course before the racing started, went for elegance over extravagance in simple hats and smart jackets.

And three racegoers in traditional Japanese dress stood out from the crowds with their flowing kimonos.

However, it was model Anneka Tanaka-Svenska who emerged head and shoulders above the rest – thanks to a 2ft Louis Mariette headpiece made of fake hair and cabbage roses.

Pretty in pink: A racegoer struggles to see past her hat

A glimpse of the orient: Spectators in traditional Japanese dress

Understated: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie (right)


source:dailymail