styling

There are few events more notable in the fashion calendar than attending Royal Ascot. A week of racing, Royals and hopefully not too much rain – the rules on attire are strict, and along with specifying the exact width one’s straps should be (1”) and how long one’s dress must be (knee length, modest), it’s a firm rule that a properly fabulous full hat should be worn at all times. Now, we don’t need much of an excuse to visit our friends at Rachel Trevor Morgan, and the Royal Enclosure brims (pun intended) with her exquisite work.

The team at Stewart Parvin has studied the Royal Ascot dress code over many years so you don’t have to – come and see us to try a carefully considered collection of outfits perfect for this auspicious event. Here is a selection, shown with Rachel’s fabulous hats and shoes from Emmy London that are guaranteed to keep you light on your feet all day long.

We’ve been thrilled to dress ballerina and TV judge Darcey Bussell on several occasions for this years series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing as well as various other TV appearances.

On week 2 of the live shows, Darcey wore a ruby red version of our bridal gown blue moon, a silk crepe gown, with godets in the skirt making a beautifully full but still streamlined silhouette. The back features a dramatic cut out shape, delicate covered buttons and our Rockefeller beading on the shoulder.

Darcey appeared on Jonathan Ross on ITV in October, wearing our black and navy floral organza cocktail dress – she looked absolutely stunning in the full skirted knee length dress, finished beautifully by a black velvet belt.

Our chartreuse silk crepe evening gown certainly gave a pop of colour to week 5 of the live shows, almost distracting us from the very dapper Aljaz Skorjanec! A simple, yet fabulous evening gown, with a lightly ruched waistband, cross over neckline and gently flared skirt. This gown is a version of our bridal gown Eternal Flame.

The sunday results show calls for a slightly less formal gown, and Darcey chose a black organza cocktail dress with pink and blue fringed flowers, and a wide black belt.

The glamour of the blackpool ballroom called for a showstopper of a gown – we were delighted that Darcey chose Stewarts black and gold couture evening gown for the show. The deep v neckline and full skirt, as well as the stunning detail in the organza brocade fabric lent all the required drama to Darcey’s entrance into this iconic venue.