LONDON, June 12 (Reuters) – Inside her London atelier, Merve Bayindir methodically affixes dried blossoms to a pale pink saucer-style hat. Surrounding her are shelves showcasing a vibrant selection of elegant headwear.

Originally from Turkey, Bayindir has her hands full designing hats for attendees of the prestigious Royal Ascot, where statement headwear is essential attire.

"It’s the ultimate runway for us — like our version of the Oscars or Golden Globes,” she explained to Reuters. “There’s nowhere else you’ll see such a concentration of incredible hats for an entire week.”

The renowned horse racing festival takes place in Ascot, just beyond the London outskirts, and begins on June 17, running for five days. Over the years, it has gained fame not only for the races but also for its bold and glamorous fashion displays.

The event is divided into several enclosures, each with its own dress standards — the royal enclosure enforces the most formal requirements.

"Hats must have at least a 10-centimetre diameter," Bayindir noted.

"So for women entering the royal enclosure, we always caution: your headwear must be a true hat, not a fascinator," she said, referencing elaborate decorative pieces usually worn with a clip or headband.

Attendees in the Queen Anne and village enclosures enjoy more flexibility, with hats, fascinators, and headpieces all accepted.

Bayindir shared that soft shades like pastel pink and baby blue continue to be annual favorites, while colours such as fuchsia, sage green, and lilac are currently in fashion. When it comes to shape and size, boldness is embraced.

"No matter who you are, Royal Ascot is your time to shine — take the spotlight and don’t be afraid to stand out," Bayindir encouraged.

"The spirit of Royal Ascot is larger than life. To truly experience and enjoy it, you have to embrace that energy and become part of the spectacle."