Royal Ascot 2011. Simon Procter
The royal wedding isn't the only society event of the season. The fashion pack is already preparing for Royal Ascot 2011, which celebrates its 300th anniversary this year.
Vivienne Westwood and Stephen Jones have teamed up with photo-illustrative photographer Simon Procter on the launch image for Royal Ascot 2011.
The image consists of a racing scene overlaid with fashion photography, as models pose in two bespoke couture pieces and one demi-couture piece from Westwood's Gold Label collection, against a background of Ascot dating from 1818.
Westwood's dresses pay homage to the past; the black and white frock is inspired by Audrey Hepburn's dress from the racing scene in My Fair Lady, while the ombre silk dress in the centre reflects early Victorian-era fashions, constructed with a special taffeta fabric which features 300 different, individually colour-dyed hues.
Meanwhile, Jones' hats similarly recreate historic style moments, from the ombre silk period bonnet from the first century of Ascot (centre hat) to the Edwardian fascinator (left), which riffs on Cecil Beaton's designs for My Fair Lady. Finally, a signature top hat - made of lacquered straw - is seen at right, complementing Westwood's lipstick red suit.
Royal Ascot will take place from 14 June to 18 June, and fashion fans should look out for the daily fashion show featuring designers like Westwood and Jones, plus Amanda Wakeley and House of Hardy Amies. Tickets are now on sale.
As for us, we're going to need to start working on our outfits... this image is tough to compete with.