British Hat Guild ‘Charity Shop to Ascot’ Competition Winner May 2025
I am delighted to have won this challenging competition!
The British Hat Guild ‘From Charity Shop to Ascot’
The brief from The British Hat Guild for the competition was to create a hat that could be worn at Royal Ascot, using only materials from second hand hats sourced from charity shops or online reselling platforms.
No additional materials could be used other than wire and construction materials that would not be visible. The hat also had to meet the Royal Ascot dress code requirements which has a minimum hat size requirement.
British Hat Guild Charity Shop To Ascot Winner Alison Cooper Millinery Malarkey
My design is based on Clematis flowers trailing on the trellis in my garden and I managed to find 3 lovely straw hats to work with. I tried to incorporate all parts of the 3 hats, using all the trimmings and ribbons to complement the strong colours of the straw.
This is blocked on a small pillbox style hat which is designed to sit on the middle of the head. I have to admit this is the first time I used this block!! It was at times challenging to create this design within the limitations of the amount of materials available from the original hats.
As you can see below, the hats that I used are quite old fashioned looking, probably from the 1980s. Like a lot of vintage hats, they are a bit on the small size for today’s head size. All were in good condition in quality fine parisisal straw and had a variety of fabric trims and Petersham ribbon to work with.
Emerald green charity shop hat used in Charity Shop to Ascot British Hat Guild winning hat
Coral pink hat used in winner entry British Hat Guild Charity Shop to Ascot.
Pale green old hat used in winning entry for British Hat Guild Charity Shop to Ascot competition.
I wanted the design to have the Royal Ascot wow factor – millinery is at its absolute best at this premium racing event and everyone looks knockout! So the flowers are large and bold, creating a modern look. I adore pink and green together so for me this really works! It was also lovely that the British Hat Guild competition judges commented on the modern design and meticulous finish.
Detail of the back view of Charity Shop to Ascot British Hat Guild winning hat by Millinery Malarkey
The British Hat Guild Competition was sponsored by:
Ladies Day at Royal Ascot 2025
I am really looking forward to wearing my hat on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot 2025 (19th June 2025), having won 2 tickets as part of the prize. This is Gold Cup day at Royal Ascot among a great day of racing.
Thursday Royal Ascot racecard:
- 2.30 Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) ITV
- 3.05 King George V Stakes (Handicap) ITV
- 3.45 Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2) ITV
- 4.20 Gold Cup (Group 1) ITV
- 5.00 Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap) ITV
- 5.35 Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) ITV
- 6.10 Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap) ITV4
Racing Post: Royal Ascot 2025: running order, TV schedule and day-by-day guide to the big races
Making Headway – Creating Sustainability in Hats exhibition
This hat will be on display as part of the Making Headway – Creating Sustainability in Hats exhibition which will be at Hat Works in Luton from 20th September to 15th November 2025.
Detail of winning British Hat Guild Charity Shop to Ascot hat by Alison Cooper of Millinery Malarkey
‘The competition is being launched in conjunction with The British Hat Guild’s ‘Making Headway: Celebrating Sustainability in Hats’ exhibition which will run for two months in Luton starting on 20th September 2025.
The Luton exhibition will take advantage of the fantastic space at The Hat Works and The Hat Factory Arts Centre, with a full opening day programme showcasing some of the ways the hat industry is adapting to become more sustainable, whether that be through use of innovative new materials, design, processes, education or collaborations.’
If you are interested in a handmade hat or a bespoke commission, from Milliner Alison Cooper of Millinery Malarkey, then please take a look in my online hat shop or get in touch.
Related links:
The British Hat Guild ‘From Charity Shop to Ascot’
Making Headway – Creating Sustainability in Hats exhibition
Racing Post: Royal Ascot 2025: running order, TV schedule and day-by-day guide to the big races
