Fashion giants join Epsom Derby (From Your Local Guardian)

Fashion giants join Epsom Derby

4:44pm Monday 12th March 2012 in Investec Epsom Derby News

A trio of fashion big hitters have been unveiled as supporters of this year's Epsom Derby.

Milliner Philip Treacy, model and writer Laura Bailey and prestigious jeweller Theo Fennell are backing the meeting, the first event of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, which runs on June 1 and 2.

The second day, Investec Derby Day, opens this year’s Diamond Jubilee central weekend celebrations, where Her Majesty The Queen will be in attendance.

Model and writer Laura Bailey, often seen gracing the front row of fashion shows around the world, has been announced as the ‘official face’ of the Investec Derby Festival.

Bailey will be wearing a bespoke hat on Investec Ladies Day designed by celebrity milliner Philip Treacy.

She said: "It is such an honour to be the face of the Investec Derby in the Diamond Jubilee year, the perfect excuse to find a special hat and dress.

"What could be more enjoyable than a day at the races on a summer’s afternoon and maybe a flutter if I'm feeling lucky? A quintessential British day out."

Philip Treacy is the Official Milliner of this year’s Investec Derby Festival.

His creations are favoured by fashion icons the world over, including The Duchess of Cambridge, Madonna, Sarah-Jessica Parker and Lady Gaga.

“Horseracing, fashion and beautiful hats go hand in hand and creating a hat for Laura Bailey to wear to the Investec Derby is a fantastic opportunity," he said.

"The event is a traditional British day out, with stunning millinery on display. This year more than ever, the spotlight is going to be on the Derby and I am thrilled to be involved."

London-based jeweller Theo Fennell has designed an exclusive diamond necklace inspired by the Investec Derby’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

He said, "It has been great fun to design a piece of jewellery to celebrate the Sport of Kings with the Diamond Jubilee of a great Queen.

"I hope that the result, with the sixty diamonds in each piece and the nod to both tradition and modernity, succeeds royally."

Raymond van Niekerk, from Derby Festival sponsor Investec, said: "We are proud sponsors of the Investec Derby Festival and are privileged that HM The Queen has chosen the event as her first engagement of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations this year.

"With Philip Treacy, Laura Bailey and Theo Fennell on board, the event will surpass previous years, making the 233rd year of the Derby one to remember."

And Rupert Trevelyan, managing director of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: "This year's Investec Derby Festival is going to be a very exciting event.

"To work with such a prominent and respected collection of names including Philip Treacy, Laura Bailey and Theo Fennell, is a fantastic affiliation for the Derby."

Katherine Jenkins will perform the National Anthem to HM The Queen on Derby Day and acclaimed jockey Willie Carson will be this year’s Guest of Honour.

Grandstand tickets to the Investec Derby Festival start from £45 if purchased prior to the 1st May 2012. For further information and to book tickets please visit the website www.epsomdowns.co.uk or call Epsom Downs Racecourse on 0844 579 3004