Even though the clothing for the
Royal Enclosure adheres to a partic-
ular style, there are subtle trends
involved. "The plain silk designs are
always in demand, for the ties and
waistcoats, and with the suits peo-
ple tend to go for fitted these days,"
says Ferner Robson. "The silk top hats
are popular too. There's a tall hat, a
6 inch, which is a walking topper, or
the shorter top, the 5.5 inch. It really
depends what you like."
Men's clothing has always been the
main focus of Oliver Brown, but with
women's items becoming a recent
addition, Ferner Robson has learned
that the Royal Ascot dress code can
be just as demanding for the oppo-
site sex. "I actually think it's got a lot
stricter over the last few years," he
says. "There are no dresses allowed
above the knee, for example. Women
also need to wear a hat, or a head-
piece with a solid base of 10cm, so
just as much thought is required to
meet the guidelines."
Sadly, the most expensive item in
the Oliver Brown store would not be
allowed into the Royal Enclosure. "It's
a gold top hat, made with white gold
beaver fur, and it retails for £25,000,"
Ferner Robson reveals. "Originally
made around 1840, it is incredibly
rare. It would be very difficult to get
in with it, even though it is a very
beautiful item."
But even without the sale of a gold
top hat, Oliver Brown is expecting
